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RIC X Arcadius 8

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Arcadius 8. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Arcadius. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows bust of Honorius, helmeted, pearl-diademed, cuirassed, facing front, holding spear in right hand behind head and shield decorated with horseman on left arm, with the legend D N HONORI-VS P F AVG.

The reverse shows constantinopolis, helmeted, draped, enthroned, facing front, head right, holding sceptre in right hand and Victory on globe in left hand, right foot on prow, with the legend CONCORDI-A AVGG.

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 in 408. Following the death of his father, Theodosius I, in 395, Arcadius governed the eastern half of the Roman Empire, while his younger brother, Honorius, ruled the western half. Operating from the eastern capital, Arcadius authorised this coinage struck at the mint of Constantinople.

Struck as a solidus—a highly pure gold coin introduced in the early fourth century that served as the primary gold denomination of commerce in Western Europe and the Later Roman Empire—this piece features Honorius on the obverse alongside the legend "D N HONORI-VS P F AVG". The reverse depicts an enthroned Constantinopolis holding a sceptre and Victory on a globe, accompanied by the inscription "CONCORDI-A AVGG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Arcadius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Honorius, helmeted, pearl-diademed, cuirassed, facing front, holding spear in right hand behind head and shield decorated with horseman on left arm
Reverse
Constantinopolis, helmeted, draped, enthroned, facing front, head right, holding sceptre in right hand and Victory on globe in left hand, right foot on prow
Obverse legend
D N HONORI-VS P F AVG
Reverse legend
CONCORDI-A AVGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Arcadius 8
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N HONORI-VS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
CONCORDI-A AVGG
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 38

    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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