VICTORIA AVGGG (476 / 477 then 480 / 491)


Reference : AYC #37, RIC 3634
Weight: 4.44 grs
Metal: Gold
Diameter: 22.00 mm
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

CONOB RV
Numéro :

Coin preserved at the British Museum, Museum number R1874,0715.144, purchased from: Rollin & Feuardent, link to the coin: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/C_R1874-0715-144. This is the copy illustrated in the RIC X plate 74, n°3634.

This coin shares the same reverse die as another coin preserved at the British Museum, Museum number 1860,0329.246, ex: Count John Francis William de Salis, link to the coin: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/C_1860-0329-246. Another coin in Lacam: CXC (pages 770 et 771). 

The RIC X mentionned in note of the n°3632 and 3634 ''obverse die link''. The two copies illustrating these two numbers plate 74 of the RIC X, do not share the same obverse corner. On the other hand I note an obverse die link between two specimens preserved at the British Museum. The first (AYC #34, RIC 3632): Museum number B.12663, link to the coin: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/C_B-12663. here is the second coin (AYC #37, RIC 3634), Museum number 1860,0329.246, ex: Count John Francis William de Salis, link to the coin: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/C_1860-0329-246.

Small detail that I observe: the coins of the series  and its variants of position as well as the series CONOB RV; have an obverse with a very long bottom of the spear point that looks like a downward line. 

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.

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.