Byzantine Empire. Theodosius II (AD 402-450). Solidus
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Current bid
€ 300
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Selected by Alessandro Fiamingo
Over ten years of experience as a conservation scientist in various contexts, including work at the Vatican Museums.
Estimate € 700 - € 800
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Ancient solidus gold coin from Constantinople dating to the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (late 4th–5th century), weighing about 4.20 g and measuring 20–21 mm, in MBC- condition with a circular ancient hole and a solder mark on the reverse, showing Theodosius II on the obverse and Concordia AVGG with Constantinople control marks on the reverse.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
AI based on the images
Complete Lot Description
Important ancient gold coin, denominated Sólido (Solidus), minted in Constantinople during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (5th century AD). This piece reflects the transitional period between Late Roman art and the early Byzantine Empire.
Iconography and Artistic Elements
Obverse: Features a three-quarter bust facing slightly to the right of Theodosius II with a military helmet and cuirass. The emperor holds a spear resting on his right shoulder and a decorated shield. Legend on the border: "D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG". Reverse (Current Face): Displays the personification of Constantinople seated on a throne, facing forward with the head to the right. Wears a military helmet, places the right foot on a ship’s prow, and holds a scepter in the right hand. In the left hand, she sustains an eagle-tipped Victory over a globe (globus cruciger). In the left field, there is a star.
Reverse Legend: "CONCORDIA AVGG Z" (Workshop Z / 7th workshop of Constantinople). In the exergue, shows the gold purity mark "CONOB".
Technical Specifications
Emperor: Theodosius II (402-450 AD)
Metal: High-purity gold
Actual Weight: 4.20 g (Below the theoretical standard of ~4.45 g due to historical wear and metal loss caused by ancient piercing).
Diameter: ~20-21 mm
References: RIC X 257 / Depeyrot 73/2
Condition and Market Particularities
Grade: MBC- (Very Well Preserved -). The reverse shows crisp reliefs, with good readability of all letters in the legend, the workshop, and the exergue.
Historical Piercing: The coin bears an ancient circular piercing made at the time to repurpose the piece as jewelry, amulet, or clothing ornament. At the top-right corner of the reverse, there is also a slight mark or weld residue associated with the old suspension system.
This text is purely descriptive and informative, based on general numismatic references for this type of coin. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder to analyze in detail the provided images to form their own opinion and criterion regarding the coin’s condition, patina, details, and authenticity before submitting any bid.
AI based on the images
Complete Lot Description
Important ancient gold coin, denominated Sólido (Solidus), minted in Constantinople during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (5th century AD). This piece reflects the transitional period between Late Roman art and the early Byzantine Empire.
Iconography and Artistic Elements
Obverse: Features a three-quarter bust facing slightly to the right of Theodosius II with a military helmet and cuirass. The emperor holds a spear resting on his right shoulder and a decorated shield. Legend on the border: "D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG". Reverse (Current Face): Displays the personification of Constantinople seated on a throne, facing forward with the head to the right. Wears a military helmet, places the right foot on a ship’s prow, and holds a scepter in the right hand. In the left hand, she sustains an eagle-tipped Victory over a globe (globus cruciger). In the left field, there is a star.
Reverse Legend: "CONCORDIA AVGG Z" (Workshop Z / 7th workshop of Constantinople). In the exergue, shows the gold purity mark "CONOB".
Technical Specifications
Emperor: Theodosius II (402-450 AD)
Metal: High-purity gold
Actual Weight: 4.20 g (Below the theoretical standard of ~4.45 g due to historical wear and metal loss caused by ancient piercing).
Diameter: ~20-21 mm
References: RIC X 257 / Depeyrot 73/2
Condition and Market Particularities
Grade: MBC- (Very Well Preserved -). The reverse shows crisp reliefs, with good readability of all letters in the legend, the workshop, and the exergue.
Historical Piercing: The coin bears an ancient circular piercing made at the time to repurpose the piece as jewelry, amulet, or clothing ornament. At the top-right corner of the reverse, there is also a slight mark or weld residue associated with the old suspension system.
This text is purely descriptive and informative, based on general numismatic references for this type of coin. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder to analyze in detail the provided images to form their own opinion and criterion regarding the coin’s condition, patina, details, and authenticity before submitting any bid.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture/region
Byzantine Empire
Ruler
Theodosius II (AD 402-450)
Denomination
Solidus
Metal
AV
Condition
Ungraded
