Katalog
| Emittent | Eastern Roman Empire |
|---|---|
| Jahr | 395-401 |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Nennwert | 1 Follis (1⁄180) |
| Währung | Solidus (330-476) |
| Material | Bronze |
| Gewicht | 2.8 g |
| Durchmesser | 17 mm |
| Dicke | |
| Form | Round (irregular) |
| Prägetechnik | Hammered |
| Ausrichtung | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Stempelschneider | |
| Im Umlauf bis | |
| Referenz(en) | RIC X#72, OCRE#ric.10.arc_e.72 |
| Aversbeschreibung | Pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right |
|---|---|
| Aversschrift | Latin |
| Averslegende | DN HONORIVS PF AVG |
| Reversbeschreibung | Emperor standing left, head right, holding spear and resting left hand on shield. Victory, standing beside him crowns him with a wreath which she holds in her right hand |
| Reversschrift | Latin |
| Reverslegende | VIRTVS EXERCITI |
| Rand | |
| Prägestätte | |
| Auflage |
ND (395-401) ANTA - 1st officina - ND (395-401) ANTB - 2nd officina - ND (395-401) ANTΓ - 3rd officina - ND (395-401) ANTΔ - 4th officina - |
| Numisquare-ID | 3317912180 |
| Zusätzliche Informationen |
Historical Context: This Follis was struck in the Eastern Roman city of Antioch for the Western Roman Emperor Honorius between 395 and 401 CE. This period immediately followed the permanent division of the Roman Empire after Theodosius I's death, leaving Honorius, a young and often ineffective ruler, to govern the West. The "VIRTVS EXERCITI" (Valor of the Army) legend was crucial propaganda, emphasizing military strength amidst increasing barbarian incursions and the empire's political fragmentation, particularly under Stilicho's regency.
Artistry: The coin exemplifies the late Roman imperial style, characterized by a move towards more abstract and stylized portraiture. The obverse features a diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Honorius, with simplified features typical of the era. The reverse design prominently displays the emperor standing left, holding a spear and resting his hand on a shield. This military iconography, a common imperial trope, aimed to project an image of martial prowess and security, despite the actual vulnerabilities of the Western Empire.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a bronze flan (2.8 grams, 17 millimeters), this Follis often exhibits variations in strike quality and flan preparation. Key high-points for grading include Honorius's diadem, hair, and cuirass on the obverse, and the emperor's head, spear, and shield details on the reverse. Collectors should seek well-centered strikes, as off-center examples are common, and a full rendition of legends and devices. Flan irregularities, such as porosity or slight cracks, are typical for bronzes of this late imperial period.