Hello Friends. I acquired this coin promptly after realizing that it represents Roman Emperor Theodosus the Second. In fact, I had previously learned at CT that it is generally a rare Imperial coin. Always glad am I to read your valuable comments and different views. Charles
Here is another similar coin of the same patina and reverse. But the Emperor on obverse is different. I cannot recognize him. Can you ?
It is Theodosius I, type 16 on the web site: http://esty.ancients.info/ricix/ The Gratian, with the globe left instead of right, is type 15.
AE of Theodosius II tend to be a bit tiny and trashy. It was getting late in the Empire. His gold is about as cheap as you get in Roman (especially if it is worn and ex jewelry) . This one is dated to the period that Rome was paying the Huns vast amounts of gold to leave them alone. That might help explain why they are common today.
Here's my Theo I of the same type. The obverse and legends are weak, but Constantinopolis is well-struck up, which is hard to find. Theodosius I Ae3; Nicomedia mint, fourth period: 378- 383 Obv.: DN THEODO-SIVS PF AVG; Pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust r. Rev.: CONCOR-DIA AVGGG; Constantinopolis, helmeted, seated facing, head r., on throne, holding partly seen spear and globe, r. leg bare, r. foot on prow / A // SMNΓ Reference: RIC IX 31(b) mm5 (p. 258) Scarce
I don't have a Theodosius worth posting but I do have this photo of a painting of him, taken at the Art Institute of Chicago earlier this month Alessandro Magnasco Italian, 1667-1749 Theodosius Repulsed from the Church by Saint Ambrose 1700/10 Oil on canvas "In 390 Ambrose, the archbishop of Milan, refused to give communion to Emperor Theodosius (r. 379-95) until he made public penance for the massacre of thousands of innocents after an insurrection. Theodosius, the last emperor to command the entire Roman state, eventually submitted to the archbishop's greater moral authority. This painting typifies Alessandro Magnasco's fluid, highly charged mature manner. In keeping with the artistic traditions of his native Genoa, Magnasco dissolved the figures into ghostly forms. For the elaborate background edifice, which is intended to represent the atrium of an early Christian church, he employed an unidentified architectural painting specialist." Normally, when visiting an art museum I make a beeline for the modern wing. This time I was caught up in the classical sections, seeking out anything coin-related. Yeah, I've got it bad...
Here are my two contributions to the Theodosius II thread with really uncommon coins : Theodosius II, Siliqua Constantinople mint D N THEODO SIVS P F AVG, diademed draped and cuirassed bust right seen from front VOT/XX/MVLT/XXX, within a laurel wreath, CONS* at exergue 2.16 gr, 18.5 mm RIC X, # 381 Theodosius II, AE3 Constantinople mint, 1st officina DN THEODOSIVS AVG, Diademed and cuirassed bust of Theodiosius facing, holding spear on his right shoulder CONCORDI A AVG, Constantinopolis, seated, facing, holding spear and a victory on globe. In exergue CONSA 2,25 gr, 16 mm Ref : RC # 4296, LRBC # 2212 var, RIC X, 90 (R4) Q
Theodosius II AE 4. 402-450 AD, Cyzicus, 1.6g, 14.5mm OBV: DN THEODO-SIVS PF AVG, Pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right, star behind. REV: GLORI-A ROMA-NORVM, two emperors standing facing, holding globe between them. SMKA in exergue. REF: RIC X Cyzicus 415
Here is mine. Not scarce, but no so easy to pick-up... Crédit photo : ©Siliquae Silique, 438-450, C A/ D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG Dominus Noster Theodosius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Maître Théodose Pieux et Heureux Auguste Buste à droite, drapé et cuirassé, tête diadémée (Perles). R/ VOT/MVLT/XXXX//CONS* Votis/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux et plus pour le quarantième à venir Légende en 3 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée. Argent, Poids : 1.65 gr, Diamètre : 18.1 mm, axe des coins : 11h RIC X 389, RSC 21 La monnaie est sur Nummus-Bible Fiche de la monnaie sur la base Siliquae
