Ancient Roman Gold Solidus of Emperor Theodosius II

Ancient Roman Gold Solidus of Emperor Theodosius II

Code: 12217

£1,095.00 Approx $1382.58, €1280.7
 

This is an ancient Roman gold Solidus of emperor Theodosius II, who reigned from 408 - 450 AD.

Obverse: D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, "Our Lord Theodosius, Dutiful and Wise Augustus" helmeted, cuirassed three-quarters-facing bust, spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman-spearing enemy.

Reverse: VOT XXX MVLT XXXX, "vows (prayers) on the Thirtieth anniversary (of the emperor's rule), and for his (anticipated) Fortieth anniversary" Constantinopolis enthroned left, left foot on prow, holding globus cruciger in right hand and sceptre in left; shield at her side, star in right field.

This coin was struck at the Constantinople mint, between the years 408 - 419 AD. It bears the Officina letter (epsilon) which indicates the coin to have been minted by the 5th Officina at the Constantinople mint. mintmark CONOB. 

Theodosius was born in 401 as the only son of Emperor Arcadius and his wife Aelia Eudoxia. On 10 January 402 he was proclaimed co-Augustus by his father, thus becoming the youngest person ever to bear this title in Roman history. In 408, his father died and the seven-year-old boy became emperor of the Eastern half of the Roman Empire. 

DENOMINATION: Solidus

MATERIAL: Gold

DATE: 408 - 450 AD (this coin was minted between 430 - 440 AD)

MINTMARK: COMOB (Constantinople, Turkey) 

SIZE: 21mm diameter

WEIGHT: 4.5 grams

ATTRIBUTION: RIC X 257; Depeyrot 81/1

PROVENANCE:  Formerly in a private collection. Frankfurt am Main, Germany.