RIC IX Alexandria 21B
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC IX Alexandria 21B. Denomination: AE2. Authority: Theodosius I. Mint: Alexandria. The obverse shows bust of Arcadius, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right, with the legend D N ARCADIVS P F AVG. The reverse shows emperor, head right, standing facing, holding standard and globe, with the legend GLORIA-ROMANORVM.
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 IX Antioch 68C: Subtype 2, RIC IX Antioch 68F: Subtype 2, RIC IX Cyzicus 27B: Subtype 1, RIC IX Nicomedia 46A: Subtype 1.
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 I ruled as Roman emperor from 379 to 395, initially governing the eastern provinces following the death of Valens at the Battle of Adrianople. During his reign, he managed military conflicts with the Goths, established Nicene Christianity as orthodox doctrine, and concluded a treaty with the Sasanian Empire in 386. He was the last emperor to rule the entire Roman Empire, with his sons Arcadius and Honorius subsequently inheriting separate eastern and western administrations.
This bronze AE2 coinage was produced at Alexandria under the imperial authority of Theodosius I, featuring his son Arcadius on the obverse accompanied by the legend "D N ARCADIVS P F AVG". The type formed part of the late Roman base-metal currency system and circulated across the empire, with related varieties produced at other eastern mints including Antioch, Cyzicus, and Nicomedia. The reverse depicts the standing emperor holding a standard and a globe, inscribed with the legend "GLORIA-ROMANORVM".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Bronze
- Denomination
- AE2
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Alexandria
- Authority
- Theodosius I
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Arcadius, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right
- Reverse
- Emperor, head right, standing facing, holding standard and globe
- Obverse legend
- D N ARCADIVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend
- GLORIA-ROMANORVM
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC IX Alexandria 21B
- Denomination and metal
- AE2, Bronze
- Obverse legend to match
- D N ARCADIVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- GLORIA-ROMANORVM
- 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.9.alex.21B
Varieties
RIC IX Alexandria 21C
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 IX Antioch 68C: Subtype 2
Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.
RIC IX Antioch 68F: Subtype 2
Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.
RIC IX Cyzicus 27B: Subtype 1
Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.
RIC IX Nicomedia 46A: Subtype 1
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.