VICTORIA AVGGG (2nd reign, 476 / 491, 5th issue)


Reference : AYC #9 e, off var, RIC 929
Weight: ?
Metal: Gold
Diameter:
Scarcity: Scarce
Type:

Obverse

Reverse

D N ZENO – PERP AVG

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.

VICTORI - A AVGGG

An angel standing left, holding a long latin cross decorated with jewels. Behind her on the right, a star.

Marks

CONOB
Numéro :

Coin listed by the RIC X, source: Stockholm Kungelige Myntkabinett. I haven't seen a picture of this coin yet.

Variant with jewels on the diadem and with the officina letter inclined and inverted. I note that the officina letter S, is seen in different orientations. On all the legend breaks, variants of jewels. Letter inclined, inclined and inverted, in upright position.. The RIC X referenced the officina letter S and , I think it was the letter S in the correct sense and following the same sense as the rest of the legend,  indicating its retrograde version. Likewise, I note these variations of orientation of the letter S and add the variation in upright position. This little detail perhaps indicating a particular series. There is a coin with the letter S inclined and inverted (variant without jewels on the diadem) but this copy is much closer to the style of the 3rd issue. Here is the coin sold by Heritage Auctions on 06/03/2004, Auction 351, lot 12098: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=177089.

The coins of the fifth issue are recognizable by style. The face is wider with a long and wide nose. Zeno looking more slightly to the right.

On the reverse, I noted ''Angel'' in the description, we can also say that it is about the Victory, but the image of the victory at that time had indeed become that of an angel symbolizing the Christian victory.