Solidus of Theodosius II with Victory Holding a Cross

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Solidus of Theodosius II with Victory Holding a Cross

Place of OriginTurkey, Istanbul

Dateabout 430-440 CE

DimensionsDiam: 22 mm

MediumGold

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Mrs. George E. Pomeroy

Object number

1924.143

Not on View

DescriptionA gold solidus (22 mm) struck in Constantinople. Obverse: Facing bust of Theodosius II, helmeted, pearl-diademed, and cuirassed. He holds a spear over his right shoulder and bears a shield on his left arm. Legend: D N THEODOSIUS P F AUG (Our Lord Theodosius, Pious Happy Augustus). Reverse: Victory standing to the left, holding a long jeweled cross in her right hand. A star appears in the right field. Legend: VOT XXX MULT XXXX (Vows of the Thirtieth Anniversary, Multiples of the Fortieth). Exergue: CONOB.

Label TextThis gold coin commemorates a major milestone in the reign of Emperor Theodosius II: his Tricennalia, or thirtieth anniversary on the throne. The reverse inscription VOT XXX MULT XXXX translates to "Vows of the 30th year, pledging for the 40th," a public prayer for the emperor's continued longevity. The image of Victory holding a long jeweled cross is significant; it replaces the traditional trophy of war with a symbol of Christian triumph, reflecting the increasingly pious ideology of the Eastern Roman court. Theodosius II, who took the throne as a child in 408 A.D., went on to become the longest-reigning Roman emperor up to that time, ruling for 42 years.