VICTORIA AVGGG (476 / 477 then 480 / 491)


Reference : AYC #38, Lac 51.36
Weight: 4.43 grs
Metal: Gold
Diameter: 21.20
Scarcity: Very rare
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

COMOB RV
Numéro :

Photo with kind permission of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, link to their wesbsite to see the coin: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b11350040x.r=ostrogoths?rk=793995;2. Coin illustrated in the Lacam: plate 51, n°36 and page 806.

Variant with COMOB.

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. Except for this copy.

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.