The offered coin belongs to the rare solids of suberatus (i.e. having a copper core). The style of the coin does not differ significantly from the official, full-gold solid from Siscia, therefore it can be considered a coin minted in this mint. Since gold is heavier than copper, solid suberatus weigh significantly less. It seems, however, that during the reign of Valentinian I and his brother Valens (jointly in 364-375), when the necessity to pay large sums in gold pressure on the Danube frontiers of Rome to the Germanic tribes resulted in a significant production of solidi. We managed to save some money on the gold by including some of the suberatus among the full-value coins.
Small keyhole.
Roman Imperial
Valentinian I (364-375), Solidus subaeratus 364-367, Siscia mint
Obverse: bust of the emperor in a decorative imperial cloak facing left, holding a globe and a long scepter in his left hand, an imperial scarf in the right
DN VALENTINIANVS PF AVG
Reverse: Valentinian standing frontally in armor and military coat with his head pointing to the right, holding a labarum in his right hand and Wiktoria on the globe in his left hand, his right leg resting on a kneeling prisoner
SALVS REIP
Weight 2.83 g
