443 AD SCARCE Theodosius II Gold Roman Empire Solidus Coin NGC CH AU 5/5, 4/5

Description: Emperor Theodosius II, the Calligrapher, of the "Byzantine" or Eastern Roman Empire (AD 402-450). 443 AD. The 42nd Year of his reign. Well-defined eyeballs and a barely-worn down nose. AV (GOLD) solidus (21mm, 4.47 gm, 6h). Graded by NGC as Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5. Struck at Constantinople, with a specific date attribution of AD 443. Usually you can only trace these to a wide range of years, but the 17th consulship (COS XVII) and 42nd year (XXXXII) of his reign place this coin in the scarce position of being traceable to a particular year. This distinction has been noted at Page 478 in the Dictionary of Roman Coins: "IMP XXXXII COS XVII P P -On a gold coin of Theodosius II.-The number of forty-two, hitherto unusual, and almost without precedent, doubtless indicates the years of Theodosius II reign, when this coin was struck. Therefore, as he was proclaimed Augustus AD 402, the year XXXXII began in the year of AD 443; and he was the consul for the seventeenth time, as the fasti testify; and about to enter into the eighteenth conculate the following year. Why this particular year should thus ostentatiously be stamped on the gold coinage of Theodosius II, adds Eckhel, I do not inquire, because I may judge rashly. It is, however, extraordinary that the same reverse should appear on coins of his wife Eudoxia, of his sister Pulcheria, of Galla Placidia, Valentinianus III and Leo I, although to them belongs neither the year nor the consulate.- Vol. viii, p. 182."D N THEODOSI-VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed facing bust of Theodosius II, head slightly right, spear in right hand over shoulder, shield decorated with horseman motif in left / IMP•XXXXII•COS-XVII•P•P•, Constantinopolis enthroned left, left foot on prow, scepter in left hand, globus cruciger in right; grounded shield at side, star in left field, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 300. NGC Certification # 6836470-001

Price: 1700 USD

Location: Chicago, Illinois

End Time: 2025-01-22T15:59:16.000Z

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