Follis “aeternae Memoriae” — Divus Romulus — Certificate Of Authenticity

Bronze follis (Æ) issued at Ostia in the name of Divus Romulus (posthumous consecration), the celebrated type with a domed temple surmounted by an eagle, under the legend AETERNAE MEMORIAE: a particularly sought-after issue, at the crossroads of imperial ideology and monumental language, emblematic of coinages linked to the dynastic cult.

Careful observation under ×10 magnification and raking light: examination of both sides reveals a bronze with a dominant dark-brown to black patina, enlivened by warmer nuances (reddish-brown) on certain relief areas and contact points, and by duller patches in the recesses. The fields show an old micro-texture (wear + stabilized soil deposits), without artificial shine. The flan is slightly irregular at the edge, with a few small peripheral weaknesses compatible with ancient hammer striking and prolonged circulation. Within the strict limits of visual observation, the coherence of style, typology, and legend layout corresponds to the Ostia follis attributed to Divus Romulus (type RIC 34).

The obverse shows a bare-headed bust right, consistent with the stated type for Divus Romulus. Under raking light, the profile (forehead–nose–chin) remains readable in volume despite notable wear on the high points, and the nape/neck line still stands out clearly.

The circular legend DIVO ROMVLO N V BIS CONS can be read in segments: some letters stand out distinctly at the periphery, while others are weakened by wear and centering. The combination “bare head + DIVO ROMVLO titulature” remains sufficiently characteristic to support the attribution.

The reverse follows the reference scheme: AETERNAE MEMORIAE, with a domed temple seen from the front; the right-hand door appears ajar, and an eagle standing on the roof (facing right, head left) can be distinguished—an iconographic marker of consecration and imperial memory.

Under ×10 magnification, the architectural lines (base, façade, door frame) remain legible despite wear, and the overall composition retains a stable reading. In the exergue, the mint signature M OST P appears legible, a decisive element for the attribution to Ostia.

Authority: Divus Romulus (posthumous consecration).

Denomination: Follis (Æ).

Mint: Ostia.

Obverse: DIVO ROMVLO N V BIS CONS, bare-headed bust right.

Reverse: AETERNAE MEMORIAE, domed temple; right-hand door ajar; eagle on the roof; M OST P in exergue.

Reference (cross bibliography): RIC 34.

Weight: 5.93 g.

Diameter: 26 mm.

This follis belongs to the coinage of dynastic memory: the formula AETERNAE MEMORIAE and the temple depicted on the reverse give visual form to the permanence of official remembrance, while the eagle (symbol of elevation and consecration) reinforces the ritual dimension of the message. The mint of Ostia plays a particularly identifiable role here thanks to its signature, and these issues constitute direct testimony to the monumental and religious language mobilized by power in Late Antiquity.

For a collector, this coin brings together lasting attractions:

• an immediately recognizable typology (domed temple + eagle), with strong “museum-like” presence;

• a very clear mint attribution thanks to M OST P, appreciated for classification and study;

• a particularly evocative commemorative coinage, standing out among late bronzes through its architectural iconography.

In accordance with our practices, each specimen is examined, described, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity consistent with the standards of the art and heritage market; the study is conducted with careful observation under ×10 magnification and raking light, and is based on typological, stylistic, and metrological coherence, as well as comparison with corpus references (notably RIC).

The coin is offered with a professional European provenance; the acquisition falls within a specialized international transaction, carried out within a recognized numismatic network and validated by expertise, according to practices applicable to heritage objects.

Careful, secure, and traceable shipping, with protective packaging, insurance, and delivery against signature depending on destination (France / international). The exact terms are confirmed at the time of order according to the delivery address.