Object Description
Constantinople, Ca. AD 441-450
Theodosius II Av. solidus, Constantinople. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG; Helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing three-quarters right, holding spear and shield with horseman and enemy motif. Rev. IMP XXXXII COS XVII P P; Constantinopolis enthroned left, holding sceptre and globus cruciger, left foot on prow, shield at her side. In left field, star and in exergue, COMOB. LRC 414; RIC 293. Minor scratches, otherwise Good Very fine.
The obverse of this solidus displays a design typical of imperial coin portraits from the Late 5th to 6th Centuries AD. The idealised portrait represents Theodosius II, the Eastern Roman emperor whose reign was second in length only to Augustus (AD 408-450). Ascending to the throne at 8 years old, Theodosius was assisted by a throng of advisors and most notably his older sister Pulcheria in the administration of his empire.
In the exergue, the inscription COMOB forms a variation of the usual CONOB mintmark seen on gold coins from Constantinople, which typically indicate their origin in the esteemed city. COMOB, or “Comitatus Obryziacum” designates the coin as from the Imperial court mint that followed the emperor as he travelled.
For additional information see:
Chew, K., 2006, “Virgins and Eunuchs: Pulcheria, Politics and the Death of Emperor Theodosius II.” Historia: Zeitschrift Für Alte Geschichte, 55 (2), 207–227.
Size: D: 21mm ; 4.24g