Description
Flavius Honorius, Western Roman Emperor of the Theodosian Dynasty 393-423 AD, Gold Solidus (4.47g, 20mm), Constantinople mint 397-402 AD. Obverse: Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Flavius Honorius facing forward, head turned slightly to the right, wielding spear and shield; his weapon extends behind and his shield, which is decorated with a horseman motif, rests on his left shoulder, legend surrounds, “DN HONORIVS PF AVG”. Reverse: Constantinopolis, the personification of the rechristened Byzantium, enthroned forward with head turned right, draped and wearing crested helmet, holding sceptre in right hand and Victoria on globe in left; right foot rests upon prow of galley, mintmark “CONOB” in exergue, legend surrounds, “CONCORDIA AVGG Є”. Sear-20899; RIC x-8; Depeyrot p.246-55/2. A few minor hairlines and die break on obverse, each unobtrusive and easily overlooked when viewing the piece in hand, details are well preserved and perfectly centred on the round, lustrous flan, good Extremely Fine, reverse Extremely Fine.
The Obverse Latin legend reads “Dominus Noster, Honorius, Pius Fēlīx Augustus”, with an English translation of “Our Lord, Honorius, the Blessed and Pious Augustus”. The reverse Latin legend reads “Concordia Augustōrum” followed by the 5th officina letter “Є”, with an English translation of “Harmony between the Augusti”. The use of the genitive plural of “Augustus” refers to Honorius’ co-reign with his brother, Flavius Arcadius, who was Roman Emperor in the East from 383 to 408 AD.