Description
Arcadius, Eastern Augustus of the Theodosian Dynasty 383-408 AD, Gold Solidus (4.47g, 20mm), Constantinople mint 395-402 AD. Obverse: Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Arcadius 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 ARCADIVS PF AVG”. Reverse: Constantinopolis seated on backless throne facing forward, head turned to the right, draped and wearing crested helmet, holding Victoria surmounting globe aloft in left hand and sceptre in right, mintmark “CONOB” in exergue, legend surrounds, “CONCORDIA AVGG Δ”. Sear-20706; RIC X-7; Depeyrot-55/1. Seemingly as struck and most attractive, perfectly centred on a nice, round flan and displaying the Theodosian eastern Augustus powerfully and notably in quite fine style for the facing bust types, details near Mint State.
The Obverse Latin legend reads “Dominus Noster, Arcadius, pius fēlīx Augustus”, with an English translaton of “Our Lord, Arcadius, the blessed and pious Augustus”. The Reverse Latin legend reads “Concordia Augustōrum” followed by the 4th officina letter “Δ”, with an English translation of “Harmony of the Augusti”.