Rights Holder: Somerset County Council
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Unique ID: SOM-066E0F
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A Roman copper-alloy nummus of the House of Constantine dating to the period AD 330 to 331 (Reece Period 17). VRBS ROMA type with a reverse depicting a wolf suckling twins with two stars above. Mint of Lyon. RIC VII, p. 138; no. 242
Notes:
The difference between RIC no. 242 (AD 330-331) and no. 275 (AD 335) is in the module size. The earlier coins are about 19mm in diameter, the later ones 14-15mm in diameter. However, many of the later pieces are probably contemporary copies and Pierre Bastien states that he does not believe any were official.
While not quite the module quoted above, the size, appearance and die axis measurement of this coin are suggestive of it being an official issue. It has been dated accordingly.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Date from: Exactly AD 330
Date to: Exactly AD 331
Quantity: 1
Length: 16.8 mm
Width: 16.4 mm
Thickness: 1.8 mm
Weight: 2.02 g
Diameter: 16.8 mm
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Other reference: SCC receipt 16629
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Struck or hammered
Completeness: Complete
Denomination: Nummus (AE 1 - AE 4)
Denomination qualifier: Certain
Ruler/issuer: House of Constantine
Primary ruler qualifier: Certain
Reece period: Period 17 [330-348]
Mint or issue place: Lugdunum
Mint qualifier: Certain
Obverse description: Bust helmeted and robed facing left
Obverse inscription: VRBS ROMA
Reverse description: Wolf suckling twin babies with two stars above
Reverse inscription: None
Die axis measurement: 6 o'clock
Degree of wear: Slightly worn: very fine
Fourth Century reverse type: Wolf and Twins [VRBS ROMA]
Reverse mint mark: PLG
Status: Regular
Status qualifier: Certain
No coin references available.
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
No references cited so far.