RIC VII, NICOMEDIA 159, HELENA, BUST TYPE VARIETY

OBVERSE	FLHELENA-AVGVSTA [FL HELENA AVGVSTA]; head r, diademed, on facing bust in embroiderd robes, with necklace.
REVERSE	SECVRITAS-REIPVBLICE [SECVRITAS REIPVBLICE]; Securitas stg. l., lowering branch and raising robe with r. hand. SMNΓ in exergue.
NOT IN RIC	BUST TYPE VARIETY. There are many minor varieties of Helena's bust but usually they are all turned right (see for example NICOMEDIA 129, SISCIA 218, CYZICUS 49, HERACLEA 85 and ALEXANDRIA 38; courtesy Classical Numismatic Group). This type has head turned right on facing bust, which is similar to the type found on Galeria Valeria coins (see THESSALONICA 36).

NOTES

Weight 3.10 g; diameter 19 mm. Coin sold on eBay in November 2011 for $51.46. Now in a private German collection. Other specimens: - specimen sold on VAuctions in November 2011 for $210; weight 2.50 g; diameter 18 mm [click for picture]; - specimen from FORVM ANCIENT COINS; weight 3.028 g; diameter 18.4 mm [click for picture].