Description
Arcadius, Eastern Augustus of the Theodosian Dynasty 383-408 AD, Gold Solidus (4.49g, 20mm), Constantinople mint 388-392 AD. Obverse: Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Arcadius facing to the right, 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 sceptre in left right and shield inscribed “VOT X MVLT XV” aloft in left, mintmark “CONOB” in exergue, legend surrounds, “CONCORDIA AVGGG Δ”. Sear-20704; RIC X 71d2; Depeyrot-47/2. A most handsome and notably sharp piece, choicely struck central on a broad flan displaying the Theodosian eastern Augustus in full splendour, Constantinopolis celebrates Arcadius’ Decennalia and his prayer for a further 5 years, although a few minor edge bumps, a very collectible example, details virtually 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”. Victoria holds a shield bearing the inscription which reads “vōta decennalia, multum quindecennial”, with an English meaning of “Vows and prayers for the tenth year of reign and more towards the fifteenth year of rule”.