Roman Byzantine gold solidus of Emperor Theodosius II
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 443 to 450 CE
This Roman-Byzantine gold solidus was minted in Constantinople between 443 and 450 CE during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II. The coin is struck in high-purity gold (99% or approximately 23K+) and has a diameter of 0.8 inches (2 cm) with a weight of 4.4 grams.
The obverse depicts a frontal bust of Theodosius II adorned in ornate consular robes and a diademed helmet, grasping a globus cruciger and a shield, symbolizing military and divine authority. It bears the inscription "D N THEODOSI-VS P F AVG." The reverse displays the figure of Victory seated while inscribing a shield, accompanied by a star motif, which reinforces the imperial legitimacy of the emperor. The reverse inscription reads "IMP XXXXII COS XVII P P / COMOB."
This historical coinage reflects the artistic and symbolic standards of the mid-5th century Byzantine Empire, serving both as a monetary instrument and a vessel for imperial propaganda. The piece shows some striking distortion and minor losses to the obverse detail, though the reverse features a clearly defined seated Victory figure.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 4.4 grams
- Diameter
- 2 cm
- Material
- Gold (99%)
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Constantinople
- Denomination
- Solidus
Design
- Obverse
- Frontal bust of Theodosius II in consular robes and diademed helmet, holding globus cruciger and shield
- Reverse
- Seated Victory inscribing a shield with a star
- Obverse inscription
- D N THEODOSI-VS P F AVG
- Reverse inscription
- IMP XXXXII COS XVII P P / COMOB
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Recorded
- Mint or printer
- Recorded
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- 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
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.