Description
Theodosius Minor, Eastern Augustus of the Theodosian Dynasty 402-450 AD, Silver ‘Light’ Miliarense (4.34g, 23mm), Constantinople mint 408-423 AD. Obverse: Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Theodosius II facing to the left, drapery fastened with pearl, legend surrounds, “DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG”. Reverse: Full figure of Theodosius II stands facing three-quarters to the right, head turned back to the left, nimbus-crowned, draped and wearing full military attire, holding right hand aloft and globe in left; star to left field, mintmark “CON” in exergue, legend surrounds, “GLORIA ROMANORVM”. Sear-21172; RIC-370; RSC-20a. A scarce and most attractive piece, choicely centred and well struck with handsome cabinet toning, minor die break on reverse otherwise virtually as struck, Extremely Fine or better and notably a most scarce denomination.
The Obverse Latin legend reads “Dominus Noster, Theodosius, pius fēlīx Augustus”, with an English translation of “Our Lord, Theodosius, the blessed and pious Augustus”. The Reverse Latin legend reads “Glōria Rōmānōrum”, with an English translation of “Glory/Honour of the Roman People”. The Latin mintmark reads in full as “Cōnstantīnopolis”, or “Constantinople” in English.