RIC X Theodosius II (East) 232
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC X Theodosius II (East) 232. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Theodosius II. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows bust of Theodosius II, 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 THEODO-SIVS P F AVG.
The reverse shows theodosius II, draped, cuirassed, standing front, holding standard in right hand and cross on globe in left hand; star in left field, with the legend GLOR ORVI-S TERRAR.
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 until 450, having been proclaimed Augustus as an infant. Following the death of his father Arcadius in 408, he governed as the sole emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire from Constantinople. His reign saw the construction of the Theodosian walls of Constantinople, the founding of the University of Constantinople in 425, and the promulgation of the Theodosian law code.
This gold solidus was produced at the mint of Constantinople. The obverse bears the emperor's portrait with the inscription "D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG", while the reverse depicts him standing with a standard and a cross on a globe, accompanied by a star and the legend "GLOR ORVI-S TERRAR".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold
- Denomination
- Solidus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Constantinople
- Authority
- Theodosius II
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Theodosius II, helmeted, pearl-diademed, cuirassed, facing front, holding spear in right hand behind head and shield decorated with horseman on left arm
- Reverse
- Theodosius II, draped, cuirassed, standing front, holding standard in right hand and cross on globe in left hand; star in left field
- Obverse legend
- D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend
- GLOR ORVI-S TERRAR
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC X Theodosius II (East) 232
- Denomination and metal
- Solidus, Gold
- Obverse legend to match
- D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- GLOR ORVI-S TERRAR
- 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.232
Varieties
RIC X Theodosius II (East) 361
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) 362
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) 365
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.