| Uitgever | Eastern Roman Empire |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 475-476 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | Solidus (1) |
| Valuta | Solidus (330-476) |
| Samenstelling | Gold |
| Gewicht | 4.49 g |
| Diameter | 20.9 mm |
| Dikte | |
| Vorm | Round (irregular) |
| Techniek | Hammered |
| Oriëntatie | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | RIC X#1003, OCRE#ric.10.bas_e.1003 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Bust of Basiliscus facing, helmeted, pearl-diademed, cuirassed, holding spear with right hand over right shoulder and over left arm shield decorated with horseman riding down enemy. |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift voorzijde |
D N bASILICμS P P AVG (Translation: Our Lord Basiliscus, Father of the Nation, August) |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Winged Victory standing left, holding long jewelled cross with right hand; in right field, a star. Officina mark ending the lettering and mintmark in exergue. |
| Schrift keerzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift keerzijde |
VICTORIA AVGGG Γ ⭑ CONOB (Translation: Victory of the Augusts) |
| Rand | |
| Muntplaats |
CONOB Constantinople (ancient),modern-day Istanbul, Turkey (330-476) |
| Oplage |
ND (475-476) CONOB - 10th officina (I) - ND (475-476) CONOB - 1st officina (A) - ND (475-476) CONOB - 2nd officina (B) - ND (475-476) CONOB - 3rd officina (Γ) - ND (475-476) CONOB - 4th officina (Δ) - ND (475-476) CONOB - 5th officina (ε) - ND (475-476) CONOB - 6th officina (S) - ND (475-476) CONOB - 7th officina (Z) - ND (475-476) CONOB - 8th officina (H) - ND (475-476) CONOB - 9th officina (θ) - |
| Numisquare-ID | 1070917420 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
Historical Context: This Solidus, minted in Constantinopolis between 475-476 CE, encapsulates a volatile period in Eastern Roman history. Issued by Basiliscus, who usurped Emperor Zeno, it reflects a brief, tumultuous interregnum marked by internal power struggles and theological disputes. The legend VICTORIA AVGGG (Victory of the Augusti) is a standard imperial acclamation, yet ironically underscores Basiliscus's precarious hold on power, which ultimately failed. This coin was struck just prior to the traditional end of the Western Roman Empire in 476, highlighting the Eastern Empire's struggle for stability amidst the broader collapse of Roman authority.
Artistry: The artistic style of this Solidus is characteristic of late Roman/early Byzantine numismatic art. While specific engraver signatures are unknown for this era and issuer, the design adheres to the prevailing Constantinopolitan school. This style is marked by a move away from classical naturalism towards a more hieratic, frontal, and symbolic representation of the emperor. The obverse typically features a highly idealized, often rigid, bust of Basiliscus, emphasizing imperial majesty rather than individual likeness. The reverse's depiction of Victory, often simplified and holding a long cross, reflects the increasing Christianization of imperial iconography, prioritizing symbolic meaning over detailed anatomical accuracy.
Technical/Grading: For grading this Solidus type, critical high-points include the clarity and completeness of Basiliscus's facial features on the obverse—eyes, nose, and mouth—along with the intricate details of his diadem and drapery. On the reverse, the figure of Victory's wings, drapery folds, and the cross she holds are key. The legend VICTORIA AVGGG and the officina mark (e.g., CONOB) in the exergue must be fully struck and legible. Coins exhibiting full original mint luster and a strong, centered strike, without significant planchet flaws or die wear, are considered exceptional. Weakness often appears on the periphery of the bust or the extremities of Victory.