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RIC X Arcadius 12

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Arcadius 12. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Arcadius. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows bust of Eudoxia, rosette-diademed, draped, right, wearing necklace and earrings, crowned by Hand of God, with the legend AEL EVDO-XIA AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, seated right on cuirass, pointing to a shield inscribed with a double-lined ☧, supported between her left knee and a column, with the legend SALVS REI - PVBLICAE.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Arcadius was Roman emperor from 383 until his death on 1 May 408, ruling the eastern half of the Roman Empire after the death of his father, Theodosius I, in 395. The eldest son of Theodosius I and Aelia Flaccilla, Arcadius was viewed during his reign as a weak ruler who was dominated by powerful ministers and by his wife, Aelia Eudoxia.

This gold solidus was produced at the Constantinople mint under the authority of Arcadius. The denomination was a highly pure gold coin introduced in the early fourth century as a replacement for the aureus, later serving as the primary gold coin of commerce from late Roman times to the Early Middle Ages. The obverse presents the bust of his wife, Aelia Eudoxia, inscribed with the legend "AEL EVDO-XIA AVG", being crowned by the Hand of God.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Arcadius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Eudoxia, rosette-diademed, draped, right, wearing necklace and earrings, crowned by Hand of God
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, seated right on cuirass, pointing to a shield inscribed with a double-lined ☧, supported between her left knee and a column
Obverse legend
AEL EVDO-XIA AVG
Reverse legend
SALVS REI - PVBLICAE

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Arcadius 12
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
AEL EVDO-XIA AVG
Reverse legend to match
SALVS REI - PVBLICAE
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC X Arcadius 13

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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