Solidus of Valentinian I (Restitutor Reipublicae)

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Solidus of Valentinian I (Restitutor Reipublicae)

Place of OriginTurkey, Antioch (modern Antakya)

Date364-375 CE

DimensionsDiam: 7/8 in. (2.1 cm)

MediumCoin; gold

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Mrs. George E. Pomeroy

Object number

1924.141

Not on View

DescriptionA gold solidus (2.1 cm diameter) struck at the mint of Antioch. Obverse: Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Valentinian I facing right. Legend: D N VALENTINIANUS P F AUG (Our Lord Valentinian, Pious Happy Augustus). Reverse: The emperor standing facing, head right, holding a standard (labarum) with a Christogram on the banner in his right hand and a Winged Victory on a globe in his left. Legend: RESTITUTOR REIPUBLICAE (Restorer of the Republic). Exergue: ANTI (Antioch).

Label TextThis gold coin was struck at the major eastern mint of Antioch (modern Antakya, Turkey) during the reign of Valentinian I. Known as a "soldier-emperor," Valentinian spent much of his reign defending the Roman frontiers against Germanic tribes. The reverse of this coin celebrates this military role with the inscription RESTITUTOR REIPUBLICAE ("Restorer of the Republic"). The image depicts the emperor himself holding a standard adorned with the Christian Chi-Rho symbol and a miniature figure of Victory, blending traditional Roman military imagery with the empire's new Christian identity.