Theodosius I, AD 379–395. AV Solidus

Theodosius I, AD 379–395. AV Solidus (4.52 g, 21 mm). Constantinople mint.

Obv. D N THEODO – SIVS P F AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Theodosius right.

Rev. CONCORDIA AVGGG. Constantinopolis enthroned facing, head right, holding sceptre in right hand and globe in left; to either side, sceptres; in exergue, CONOB.

Refs: RIC IX Constantinople 43b; Depeyrot 68/3; cf. DOC 17.

This attractive solidus was struck at Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, during the reign of Theodosius I, remembered as Theodosius the Great. The obverse presents a finely engraved bust of the emperor, wearing the pearl diadem, symbol of imperial legitimacy.

On the reverse, the enthroned figure of Constantinopolis personifies the city itself, founded by Constantine the Great and by Theodosius’ time the centre of imperial administration. Holding the globe, she signifies universal dominion, while the legend CONCORDIA AVGGG refers to harmony among the three reigning Augusti — Theodosius in the East, with Gratian and Valentinian II in the West — though this unity was more aspirational than real.

Theodosius I is historically pivotal as the emperor who made Nicene Christianity the official religion of the Roman state (Edict of Thessalonica, AD 380), and who presided over the final division of the empire between his heirs. His coinage, including this solidus, projects images of imperial authority, divine favour, and dynastic stability during a time of deep transformation for the empire.

Condition: Lustrous, sharply struck with bold portrait and reverse detail. A particularly choice example.