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Theodosius II Gold Solidus with Constantinopolis, obverse

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Roman

Theodosius II Gold Solidus with Constantinopolis

Theodosius II · Eastern Roman Empire

Theodosius II faces Constantinopolis, binding the ceremonial emperor to the fortified capital that defined the security of his long reign.

Date
AD 402–450
Denomination
AV Solidus
Material
Gold
Weight
4.37 g
Grade
Choice AU · Strike 4/5 · Surface 3/5 · Clipped · Die shift · Edge bend
Certification
NGC Ancients

The Story Behind the Strike

This second solidus of Theodosius II carries a different reverse and therefore a different historical emphasis. Constantinopolis seated personifies the capital protected by the monumental walls built during the reign. The coin joins a frontal military emperor to the city that became the durable centre of Roman government in the East.