How to Identify the Valens Siliqua

What This Coin Is

The siliqua was a small, thin silver denomination widely struck across the later Roman Empire, and this example was issued in the name of Valens, who ruled the eastern half of the empire from 364 until his death fighting the Goths at the Battle of Adrianople in 378 AD. Siliquae are prized by collectors for their crisp, high-relief portraits despite their modest size.

Obverse Design & Inscriptions

The obverse shows a pearl-diademed, draped bust of Valens facing right. The legend reads D N VALENS P F AVG, following the standard imperial titulature abbreviation pattern of the period.

Reverse Design & Inscriptions

A frequently seen reverse type shows Roma seated left on a throne, holding a small Victory on a globe in one hand and resting the other on a shield, with the legend VRBS ROMA around the scene. Other reverse varieties from his reign include vota (vow) inscriptions within a wreath, such as VOT V MVLT X, marking anniversaries of his reign.

Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge

Siliquae are notably thin and light, typically around 17-19mm in diameter and weighing only about 1.5-2.2 grams depending on the specific weight standard in effect at the time of striking. The silver used is usually of good purity but can appear a bit dull compared to earlier, heavier Roman silver denominations. The edge is plain and, due to the thinness of the flan, sometimes shows a slightly clipped or irregular outline even on genuine, uncirculated-era pieces.

Mint Marks and Where to Find Them

Because many reverse types have no exergue line, the mint mark for siliquae often appears simply below the design or is faintly present in a very narrow exergue space; common examples include TR (Trier), CON or CONS (Constantinople), and ANT (Antioch).

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

Siliquae of Valens closely resemble those of his brother Valentinian I and nephew Gratian in fabric, weight, and general style, so the obverse legend naming VALENS specifically is the key identifying feature. Be careful not to confuse the seated Roma reverse with the standing Roma types found on some contemporary bronze commemoratives, which are a different denomination and metal entirely.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Because siliquae are thin and were often lightly struck, look for a well-centered strike with a full, unclipped edge and clear detail in the drapery folds and facial features of the portrait. Genuine period clipping (the practice of shaving silver from the edges, common especially in coins that circulated into Britain) is historically documented and does not necessarily indicate a modern problem coin, but excessive or oddly shaped clipping is worth noting when assessing a piece.

Authenticity Red Flags

Watch for coins that feel unusually thick or heavy for the type, since this can indicate a cast fake rather than a genuine hammered silver flan. Also examine the surface for a soft, grainy texture lacking crisp die-struck lines, and check for a raised seam around the edge that would suggest casting. A dull gray or chalky surface inconsistent with silver's typical luster under light cleaning can also be a warning sign of a base-metal counterfeit with a silver wash.