Ancient Coins and Antiquities

Roman Imperial Coinage, Arcadius (383-408), Siliqua, Trier, 392-5, d n arcadi-vs p f avg, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, rev. virtvs ro-manorvm, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding reversed spear and Victoriola on globe, dress continues onto Roma’s right arm, s in right field, tr ps in exergue, 1.36g/6h (MC 44, this coin; Hoxne 615 [III/Bc]; RIC IX p.33, 106(b); RSC 27a). Edge a little ragged, otherwise good very fine, of curious style and with an unexpected mark in the reverse field £60-£80

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Colkirk Hoard of Late Roman Silver Coins.

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Collection

Struck from the same dies as a specimen in the Fitzwilliam Museum (CM.5.3073-1933).

In general terms the style of this coin is unusual; the r in arcadius is ill-formed (appearing closer to an n), while the depiction of Roma upon the reverse is somewhat crude. The appearance of distinct and deliberate mark in the reverse field adds to this anomalous character, although it is not immediately clear that the coin is irregular.