VICTORIA AVGGG (476 / 477 then 480 / 491)


Reference : AYC #28, RIC 3626
Weight: 4.18 grs
Metal: Gold
Diameter: ?
Scarcity: Scarce
Type:

Obverse

Reverse

D N ZENO – PERP F AVG

Bust of Zeno facing, cuirassed, wearing a 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

R
V  /   
COMOB
Numéro :

Photo of a coin sold the 14/06/2006 by Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 72, lot 1959, link to the sale: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=309879, link to their website: https://www.cngcoins.com/

This coin shares the same obverse die as thecopy preserved at the British Museum, Museum number B.11211, link to the coin: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/C_B-11211.

The coins from this mint have a recognizable style. Zeno's eyes are represented by two balls. This coin is part of an exception to the rule. The reverse fits perfectly with the style of this mint, although this reverse style is very close to that of the Roma mint. This mint of Roma having an obverse of a more neat style and closer to that of Constantinople.

The two dots '''' in the mintmark are after AVGGG, in the orientation of the legend.

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.