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Theodosius II Ceremonial Gold Solidus, obverse

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Roman

Theodosius II Ceremonial Gold Solidus

Theodosius II · Eastern Roman Empire

A frontal military portrait and a victorious imperial reverse transform the long reign of Theodosius II into an image of order, defence and sacred rule.

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Object number
AG-060
Date
AD 402–450
Denomination
AV Solidus
Material
Gold
Weight
4.48 g
Grade
MS · Strike 5/5 · Surface 1/5 · Plugged
Certification
NGC Ancients

Record completeness

Evidence, made visible

  • Object identityDocumented
  • Physical recordPartly documented
  • AttributionPartly documented
  • Legends & imageryNot recorded
  • ProvenanceNot recorded

The Story Behind the Strike

Theodosius II ruled for nearly half a century, an age remembered for the Theodosian Walls, the codification of imperial law and an increasingly ceremonial monarchy. The emperor appears frontally in armour, distancing the ruler from ordinary life and presenting him as the enduring centre of the state. The reverse joins imperial authority to Victory within a changing Christian empire.

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