It is hard to find a pleasing portrait of Theodosius II (AD 402-450) in copper. Most of his copper types are poorly engraved, poorly struck, and very worn. I just extended my site on late Roman copper: http://esty.ancients.info/ricix/ with a page giving a "type set" of the coins of Theodosius. http://esty.ancients.info/ricix/TheodosiusII.html This AE2 (22-21 mm) is perhaps the most dramatic type. It was struck, possibly c. 437, for circulation in Crimea (in the north Black Sea region).
Lovely coin, Warren. Portrait especially. Theodosius II (402 - 450 A.D.) Æ4 O: D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. R: cross in wreath, SMKB in exergue. Cyzicus Mint 1g 13mm RIC X 449
Bronze may be difficult, but to buy a decent Silver coin of Theodosius II is almost damned near impossible without selling a few limbs! I own the Siliqua and am slowly paying off the Miliarense. Theodosius II AR Siliqua Struck 438-450 CE. 1.66 Grams Theodosius II AR Miliarense. Thessalonica mint, 408-423 AD. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right / GLORIA ROMANORVM, Theodosius standing facing, head left, holding spear & shield; star in left field, COM in ex. RIC X 392; RSC 20 var (mintmark), 4.25 grams.
LOL That is a terrific 'bronze' VAL... ....and those silver examples of MM are annoying-------because I don't own them!!
I know right To be fair, focusing on Siliqua and Late Roman silver does have its (few) drawbacks. For example, I don't own a single coin of the great Roman Republic or a Ptolemy Big Bronze! I can deal with that though!!!
i was just lamenting in one of MM's threads that i don't have a theodosius ii. i'll lament again. the portrait on that coin is stellar warren!
I completely agree on Theodosius II being tricky to acquire good portraits of (engraving quality and preservation wise). Through time, and with a lot of patience, I've been lucky enough to find a decent AE with a facing portrait of decent appearence (nose is almost always flat and worn) and a nice siliqua. An AE2 and a miliarense are still on my list though. Congrats @Valentinian and @Magnus Maximus for your wonderful examples 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) 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 Q
