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RIC X Theodosius II (East) 234

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Theodosius II (East) 234. 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, wearing consular robes, enthroned, facing front, and Valentinian III, wearing consular robes, enthroned, facing front, each holding mappa in right hand and cruciform sceptre in left hand; star above and between them, with the legend SALVS REI - PVB-LICAE.

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 reigned as Roman emperor from 402 to 450, governing as sole ruler of the Eastern Empire after the death of his father Arcadius in 408. His capital, Constantinople, was established on the site of Byzantium under Constantine the Great in 324 and inaugurated in 330 as the eastern imperial seat, where Theodosius II oversaw major works including the Theodosian walls. The solidus was introduced in the early 4th century as a highly pure gold denomination of the Later Roman Empire, struck at Constantinople under Theodosius II alongside Valentinian III.

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, wearing consular robes, enthroned, facing front, and Valentinian III, wearing consular robes, enthroned, facing front, each holding mappa in right hand and cruciform sceptre in left hand; star above and between them
Obverse legend
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
SALVS REI - PVB-LICAE

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Theodosius II (East) 234
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
SALVS REI - PVB-LICAE
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 Theodosius II (East) 233

    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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