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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Theodosius II (East) 323

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Theodosius II (East) 323. 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 THEODOSI-VS 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 large irregular shield; star in left field, with the legend IMP XXXXII COS - XVII P P A.

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 and becoming the sole emperor of the Eastern Empire following the death of his father Arcadius in 408. Struck at the mint of Constantinople, this issue belongs to an imperial reign distinguished by the construction of the Theodosian walls of Constantinople and the founding of the city's university in 425.

This gold coin belongs to the denomination known as the solidus, which was introduced in the early fourth century to replace the earlier aureus. Struck as a coin of highly pure gold, the solidus served as the principal gold coin of commerce in Western Europe from late Roman times into the Early Middle Ages. The coin names the emperor with the obverse inscription "D N THEODOSI-VS P F AVG" and features the enthroned figure of Constantinopolis on the reverse alongside the inscription "IMP XXXXII COS - XVII P P A".

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 large irregular shield; star in left field
Obverse legend
D N THEODOSI-VS P F AVG
Reverse legend
IMP XXXXII COS - XVII P P A

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Theodosius II (East) 323
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N THEODOSI-VS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
IMP XXXXII COS - XVII P P A
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) 285

    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) 324

    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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