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RIC X Theodosius II (East) 257

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Theodosius II (East) 257. 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 constantinopolis, helmeted, draped, enthroned, left, holding cross on globe in right hand and sceptre in left hand; by the throne, a shield; star in right field, with the legend VOT XXX - MVLT XXXX.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC X Theodosius II (East) 260, RIC X Theodosius II (East) 261.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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 sole emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire from 408 to 450 following the death of his father Arcadius. Known as "the Calligrapher", his reign saw the construction of the Theodosian walls, the founding of the University of Constantinople in 425, and the promulgation of the Theodosian law code. This gold solidus, a standard high-purity denomination introduced in the early 4th century, was struck at Constantinople, which had served as the eastern imperial capital since 330.

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
Constantinopolis, helmeted, draped, enthroned, left, holding cross on globe in right hand and sceptre in left hand; by the throne, a shield; star in right field
Obverse legend
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
VOT XXX - MVLT XXXX

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Theodosius II (East) 257
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
VOT XXX - MVLT XXXX
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) 366

    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) 260

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC X Theodosius II (East) 261

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina 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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