Light miliarense of Theodosius II (402-405)

Theodosius II, 402-450. Light Miliarense (Silver, 23.5mm, 4.26 g, 12h). Constantinopolis, 408-420. D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Theodosius II to left. Rev. GLORIA ROMANORVM / CON Theodosius II, nimbate and in military attire, standing front, head to left, raising his right hand in salute and holding globe in his left; in field to left, star. RIC 370. A lightly toned and lustrous specimen. Light doubling on the obverse and light die break on the reverse, otherwise, virtually as struck.

Ex CNG Auction 112, 11 September 2019, 672.

Ex Philip T. Ashton Collection (Gemini XIV, 18 April 2018), lot 640, purchased from Alex Malloy, March 2001.

Theodosius II is a remarkable emperor – not for his military feats, for he was not an able general – but for being able to weather the turbulent times of the 5th century CE. Calligraphy appears to have been a passion of his, and we actually have an example of his handwriting preserved on an Egyptian papyrus. Other passions appear to have included law-making and theological disputes.

This series of light miliarensia seems to have been produced in a relatively frenzied flurry, as the die break on the reverse seems to be getting progressively worse on other examples. Generally, the surviving examples are in excellent condition, and it appears they were hoarded rather rapidly.

Collezione : The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire