Weighing just 1.05 g. , the following coin was struck at Antioch under Emperor Theodosius the Great. It has Victory walking left and holding trophy on reverse, along with a long cross in left field. As far as I know, Theodosius was the first Roman Emperor to include a cross on his coins. I managed to scan at double size and maximum resolution. Glad to read your comments.
Nice... I really liked these little coins, Victory dragging captive. Here's my lil Arcadius of this type, with cross like yours (rather than Chi-Rho):
My tiniest Roman is this little one from Leo I: Leo I, AD 457-474. Roman Æ Half Centenionalis, 0.82 gm; 10 mm. Constantinople, AD 457-474. Obv: DN LEO, diademed and draped bust, right. Rev: b E, Verina standing, holding transverse scepter and globus cruciger. Refs: LRBC II 2272; RIC 714; Sear 21436; Vagi 3739; MIRB 30.
Smallest I can identify. Honorius 404 to 406 AD AE 4 Obvs: (DN H)ONORI(VS PF AVG), Diademed right. Revs: (CON)COR DI(A AVGGG), Cross 9x10mm, 0.73g
I prefer to call these 'Cross-rho' to distinguish them from Chi-rho and regular crosses. They are common in this period. Constantinople Antioch
It seems to me an Egyptian ankh cross. It symbolizes ”life” itself. I do not think it's impossible that it is a veiled symbol for it, disguising it as if it were a Christian symbol. Even because at that time, I believe that religious syncretism was still very strong in the Roman Empire.
Not my smallest but fitting for this thread. Its condition is poor and part of the MM is missing, the only thing going for it is the Cross in shield/ circle. Valentinian I, RIC IX Nicomedia 45a, MM - SMN? Weight - 1.01g. Size - 11.5mm x 13mm
Arcadius- Struck at Antioch. Lot of wear, but weighs only 68 g. The obverse suggested barbaric to me.
A few months ago I was searching for any decent coin of Arcadius and when I couldn’t find one that suited me I found this one. When I bought this it was just a hunk of circular dirt but $2.76 later I got this after it cleaned up.
