RIC X Theodosius II (East) 203
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC X Theodosius II (East) 203. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Theodosius II. 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 supporting shield inscribed XX/VOT/XXX on knee 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
Theodosius II ruled as Roman emperor from 402 to 450, having been proclaimed Augustus as an infant before becoming the Eastern Roman Empire's sole emperor following the death of his father Arcadius in 408. During his reign, he oversaw developments centred on his capital, including the construction of the Theodosian walls of Constantinople and the founding of the University of Constantinople.
This gold solidus was struck at the Constantinople mint under the authority of Theodosius II. Although issued under Theodosius II, the coin depicts the bust of Honorius alongside the obverse legend "D N HONORI-VS P F AVG", while the reverse carries the legend "CONCORDI-A AVGG" with Constantinopolis holding a shield inscribed "XX/VOT/XXX".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold
- Denomination
- Solidus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Constantinople
- Authority
- Theodosius II
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 supporting shield inscribed XX/VOT/XXX on knee 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 Theodosius II (East) 203
- 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
- RIC / OCREric.10.theo_ii_e.203
Varieties
RIC X Theodosius II (East) 350
Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.
RIC X Theodosius II (East) 357
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.