VICTORIA AVGGG (2nd reign, 476 / 491, 3rd issue)
Bust of Zeno facing, cuirassed, wearing helmet with crest and a pearl diadem. Holding a spear passing behind his head with the right hand and a decorated shield with a horseman slaying an enemy, with the left hand.
An angel standing left, holding a long latin cross decorated with jewels. Behind her on the right, a star.
Marks
Photo of a coin sold the 19/06/2003 by CGB.fr, MONNAIES 18, lot 760, link to the sale: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=138650, link to their website: https://www.cgbfr.com/. The copyright stuck on the coin on the reverse has been withdrawn (with the agreement of CGB.fr), slightly modifying the actual visual from 5 to 6 o'clock at the bottom of the reverse of the coin.
Variant without jewells on the diadem. CGB.fr classified this coin as RIC 929. This is an error, even considering that this portrait is that of the 5th issue, the jewel on the diadem is missing and therefore would classify the coin as RIC 930. On the other hand a doubt remains: 3rd or 5th issue? In my opinion, this portrait is closer to the 3rd issue than the 5th. In addition, it has been noted by various authors that the reverses of the 3rd issue are of higher quality of style. The coin is worn and does not permit to fully appreciate its original engraving quality. I have chosen to classify this coin as an illustration of the RIC 911, having no other coin undoubtedly from issue n°3. Taking into account the fact that the RIC X references this variant without jewel by giving the reference: SUPERIOR GALLERIES, 10 to 11 December 1988 (Moreira), lot 2585.
The coins of the third issue are recognizable by their style. The bust is similar to that of the first two issues and that of Basiliscus. Be careful though because many coins are between the style of Basiliscus and the one found later (RIC 929 and 930 with a wider face with long and wide nose, looking more slightly to the right).
On the reverse I noted ''Angel'' in the description. We can also say that this is Victoria but the image of the victory at that time had indeed become that of an angel symbolizing the Christian victory.