© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Solidus - Aelia Pulcheria IMP XXXXII COS; Constantinopolis
| Gold | 4.31 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Eastern Roman Empire (Rome) |
|---|---|
| Empress | Pulcheria (Πουλχερία) (450-453) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 441-450 |
| Value | Solidus (1) |
| Currency | Solidus (330-476) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.31 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#373074 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Constantinopolis enthroned facing left, holding globus cruciger in right hand and scepter in left; mintmark in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
IMP XXXXII COS-XVII P P
COMOB
Comment
Aelia Pulcheria was an Eastern Roman empress who advised her brother emperor Theodosius II during his minority and then became wife to emperor Marcian from November 450 to her death in 453.She was the second child of Eastern Roman Emperor Arcadius and Empress Aelia Eudoxia. In 414, the fifteen-year old Pulcheria became the guardian of her younger brother Theodosius II.
When Theodosius was killed in a riding accident in AD 450, Pulcheria briefly ruled as sole empress before bowing to demands that she marry and thus chose a suitable man to rule as Augustus.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Aelia Pulcheria, a powerful empress who played a significant role in the Eastern Roman Empire during the 5th century. She was known for her intelligence, political savvy, and religious devotion, and was revered as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church. The coin's design reflects her importance and influence during her time, and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of powerful women in history.
