Solidus - Anthemius SALVS REI PVBLICAE, Rome

Đơn vị phát hành Western Roman Empire
Năm 467-472
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá 1 Solidus
Tiền tệ Solidus
Chất liệu Gold
Trọng lượng 4.50 g
Đường kính 22 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo RIC X#2831, OCRE#ric.10.anth_w.2831
Mô tả mặt trước Bust of Anthemius, helmeted, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, facing front, holding spear in right hand behind head and shield decorated with cross behind left shoulder.
Chữ viết mặt trước Latin
Chữ khắc mặt trước D N ANTHE-MIVS P F AVG
Mô tả mặt sau Anthemius and Leo I, draped, cuirassed, standing front, each holding spear in outer hand and supporting a globe surmounted by a cross between them, mintmark in exergue.
Chữ viết mặt sau Latin
Chữ khắc mặt sau SALVS R-EI P-VBLICAE COMOB
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc COMOB
Rome (ancient), Italy (?-476)
Số lượng đúc ND (467-472) COMOB - -
ID Numisquare 1640431260
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This solidus, issued 467-472 AD, represents the turbulent reign of Anthemius, one of the last Western Roman Emperors. Appointed by Eastern Emperor Leo I, Anthemius sought to stabilize the crumbling West amidst barbarian threats and internal strife. His rule in Rome was a desperate, ultimately failed, attempt to reassert imperial authority. The legend "SALVS REI PVBLICAE" (Safety of the Republic) ironically underscores the era's profound instability and the Western Empire's terminal decline.

Artistry: The anonymous engravers of this solidus worked within the late Roman Imperial stylistic school, characterized by a move from classical naturalism towards more abstract, hieratic representation. The obverse features a diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Anthemius, rendered with large eyes and frontal emphasis, conveying imperial majesty. The reverse often depicts two standing emperors, symbolizing desired unity and strength, a poignant visual plea for the "Safety of the Republic" in an era of fragmentation.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold to standard 4.50g and 22mm, this Rome mint solidus typically exhibits a good strike, though minor flan irregularities are not uncommon. Key high-points for wear or strike weakness include the emperor's diadem, nose, and chin on the obverse, and the heads and shoulders of the standing figures on the reverse. Excellent examples display full legends and clear details, indicative of careful production despite the precarious climate. Centering can vary, impacting legend completeness and visual balance.

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