Move the cursor over the object to inspect fine details
The pearl diadem marks Arcadius as Augustus.
The pearl diadem marks Arcadius as Augustus.
Imperial portraitA pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust faces right.
Obverse legendD N ARCADIVS P F AVG names Arcadius as pious and fortunate Augustus.
ConstantinopolisThe personification of Constantinople sits facing, her head turned right.
Votive shieldThe shield records vows for five years and more for ten.
ProwThe throne is set on a shipu2019s prow, linking the type to Constantinople.
CONOBThe exergual formula identifies Constantinople and refined gold.
Roman
Arcadius · Eastern Roman Empire
Arcadius faces the imperial capital across the coin, pairing a youthful ruler with Constantinopolis as the stable centre of eastern Roman authority.
Record completeness
The Story Behind the Strike
Arcadius became Augustus while still a child and later ruled the eastern empire from Constantinople. His solidus presents continuity rather than political uncertainty. The formal imperial portrait identifies the legitimate Theodosian ruler; Constantinopolis seated on the reverse personifies the capital as a source of victory, order and Roman permanence.