Divus Romulus (died AD 309). BI quarter-follis or quarter-nummus (18mm, 12h). NGC Choice VF, lacquered, scratch. Ostia, late AD 309-October AD 312. DIVO ROMV-LO N V BIS C, bare head of Divus Romulus right / AETERNAE-MEMORIAE, domed sepulchre of Divus Romulus with no columns, door ajar, surmounted by eagle standing right, head left; MOSTT in exergue. RIC VI 59. Note: David Vagi's book, Coinage and the History of the Roman Empire, Vol. I, indicates the obverse legend N V BIS CONS to mean Nobilissimus Vir (most noble man) and BIS CONS meaning twice consul. RIC lists this issue under a series of half-folles with weight range of 3.25-2.75 gm. However, many examples in sales archives show specimens to be closer to a standard of 2.25-1.75 gm., which would be consistent with a quarter-follis based on typical Maxentius folles weighing 7.00-6.75 gm. Another possibility would be a third-follis, which is the denomination given to the VOT QQ issue minted by Maxentius in Rome (ca. AD 310-311) that circulated contemporarily with the Divus Romulus issues of the same weight (RIC VI 281c, Rome).

HID09801242017

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