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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Theodosius II (East) 360

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Theodosius II (East) 360. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Theodosius II. Mint: Thessalonica. 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, facing front, head right, holding sceptre in right hand and Victory on globe in left hand; right foot on prow; eight-pointed star in left field, 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, known as "the Calligrapher", ruled as Roman emperor from 402 to 450. Proclaimed Augustus as an infant, he became the sole emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire following the death of his father, Arcadius, in 408. His long reign was characterised by major administrative and urban achievements, including the compilation of the Theodosian law code and the construction of the Theodosian walls of Constantinople.

This gold solidus was produced at the mint of Thessalonica. The solidus was introduced in the early fourth century as a replacement for the aureus and served as a highly pure gold denomination and the primary gold coin of commerce throughout late Roman times. The coin's obverse displays Theodosius II with the legend "D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG", while the reverse depicts an enthroned Constantinopolis accompanied by an eight-pointed star and the legend "CONCORDI-A AVGG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Thessalonica
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, facing front, head right, holding sceptre in right hand and Victory on globe in left hand; right foot on prow; eight-pointed star in left field
Obverse legend
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
CONCORDI-A AVGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Theodosius II (East) 360
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N THEODO-SIVS 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

Varieties

  • RIC X Theodosius II (East) 349

    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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