Late Roman Gold Solidus of Emperor Valentinian III Rome Mint

Code: 11721

This is an ancient Roman gold solidus of emperor Valentinian III dating to circa 440 - 450 AD

Obverse: DN PLA VALENTINI-ANVS P F AVG, "Our Lord Placidius Valentinianus, Pious and Blessed August" rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right

Reverse: VICTORI-A AVGGG, "Victory of the Augusts" Valentinian standing facing, holding long cross and Victory on globe, foot placed on human-headed coiled serpent.

R-M either side for Rome and  COMOB in ex. *

See also Valentinian III (RIC X 2001-2187)  also the last photo of a similar coin from the same die sold by CNG with this very distinct portrait.

This is a superb example in about EF condition.

*The moneta comitatensis was a travelling mint attached to the imperial train wherever the Emperor was situated. A special mintmark COM for comitatus (or COMT.M) Most coins signed by the comitatensian mint also bear a supplementary abbreviation referring to the name of the town where the coin was actually struck in this case in Rome.

CULTURE: Roman

DENOMINATION: Solidus

MATERIAL: Gold

DATE: 425 - 455 AD (this coin minted in Rome between 440 - 450 AD)

MINTMARK: RM (Rome, Italy)

SIZE: 22mm diameter

WEIGHT: 4.47 grams

ATTRIBUTION:  RIC X 2014; Depeyrot 46/1; DOCLR 850. 

PROVENANCE:  Formerly in a private collection Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom