Solidus of Theodosius II (with Valentinian III)

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Solidus of Theodosius II (with Valentinian III)

Period Byzantine Empire (Byzantine, 395 CE-1453 CE)

Place of OriginTurkey, Istanbul

Date425 CE

Dimensions1/16 × 7/8 in. (0.1 cm, 22mm)

Mediumgold

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Mrs. George E. Pomeroy

Object number

1924.144

Not on View

DescriptionA gold solidus struck in Constantinople. Obverse: Facing bust of Theodosius II, helmeted and cuirassed. He holds a spear over his right shoulder and a shield on his left arm decorated with a horseman spearing a fallen enemy. Legend: D N THEODOSIUS P F AUG. Reverse: Two emperors facing; the larger figure (Theodosius II) is seated, nimbate, holding a mappa or volumen in his right hand and a cruciform scepter in his left. A smaller figure (the child-emperor Valentinian III) stands or sits at his side. A star appears in the upper field. Legend: SALUS REIPUBLICAE. Exergue: CONOB.

Label TextThis gold coin celebrates a crucial moment of dynastic unity between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. The front displays the Eastern Emperor Theodosius II in military attire, holding a spear and shield. The reverse depicts him seated alongside a much smaller figure: the child-emperor Valentinian III. Theodosius had sheltered the young Valentinian after his family fled political turmoil in Rome. In 425 A.D., Theodosius installed his young nephew on the Western throne, an event commemorated here with the inscription SALUS REIPUBLICAE—"The Salvation of the Republic." The image asserts Theodosius's role as the senior protector of the entire Roman world.