Solidus - Theodosius I VICTORIA AVGG, AVGOB; Londinium-Augusta
| Gold | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Magnus Maximus (384-388) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 383-388 |
| Value | Solidus (1) |
| Currency | Solidus, Reform of Constantine (AD 310/324 – 395) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#374127 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Magnus Maximus and Theodosius I seated facing on double throne, jointly holding globe between them; half length figure of Victory above facing between, vertical palm branch under throne
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VICTOR-IA AVGG
AVGOB
Translation:
Victory, Emperors (2Gs for 2 emperors).
London-Augusta obryzium (‘pure gold’)
Comment
Only exists as a cast copy in the British Museum.London was renamed Augusta in the reorganisation of Britain that followed the Great Conspiracy of 367. So many cities were renamed Augusta (after Emperor Augustus) there’s debate as to whether AVG is London, but most sources accept it is.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Solidus coin of Theodosius I is that it features the first known use of the "CHI-RHO" monogram, which is a combination of the first two letters of the Greek word "Christos" (CH) and the first two letters of the Greek word "Rho" (R), symbolizing the name of Christ. This monogram was later adopted as a symbol of Christianity and appears on many Christian artifacts and coins throughout history.
