Coin

Item number 3095/1782 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Coin of Leo I, 457-474. Obverse: bust of Leo I, facing right. Reverse: monogram of Leo I, which includes a circle and an ‘S’; all within a wreath.

History Of Use

“Nummus” (denomination); RIC# 694. The bronze coinage of Leo I follows the Roman system, originating in the beginning of the 4th century. It was the only copper coinage at the time and was used for small transactions. By the time of Leo I the nummus was of poor quality and value, worth significantly less than gold and silver coinage also circulating at the time.

Iconographic Meaning

Coins were one of the primary methods for spreading symbolic information throughout the Roman Empire, such as the ascension of a new emperor. The face of the emperor on coins was a symbol of his authority.