Preview
Creation Date
383–388 CE
Geography
Minted in Constantinople
Culture
Roman
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
15/16 in. (22 mm)
0.169 oz. (4.8 g)
Credit Line
Gift of Brad Hostetler, 2022
Accession Number
2022.43
Provenance
Purchased by Brad Hostetler from Peter H. George in New York on July 17, 2022.
Condition
There is quite a bit of wear on the center images on either side of the coin, though especially on the side depicting the goddess of victory. There is also a lot of wear around the edges of the coin. It is very tarnished; it is mostly dark brown and the side depicting victory displays a bit more of the bronze color coming through the tarnish. The edges of the coin are also uneven; the coin is not a perfect circle, and there are nicks along the uneven edges. It could be possible that it has lost some of its original shape. This is most likely from heavy usage and aging, as well as the way that struck coins are made.
Jonathan Turner (’25), October 2023
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings
On the obverse side of the coin the Latin inscription reads AEL FLAC-CILLA, her name, followed by her title, and AVG, Augusta. On the reverse side there is an inscription that reads CONE, which indicates its origins from a mint in Constantinople. It also reads SALVS REI-PVBLICAE, the safety of the state. There is also a T to the right of seated victory.
References
J.W.E. Pearce, The Roman Imperial Coinage, vol. 9, Valentinian I – Theodosius I (London: Spink & Son Ltd, 1951), no. 81, p. 233.
Description
Though small, this coin contains some very intricate details and inscriptions. On the obverse side of the coin it displays a portrait of Aelia Flaccilla, a Roman Empress and the first wife of Theodosius I. It is a side profile with her facing right, and it depicts her draped in an elaborate headdress, mantle and necklace. This was a major part of what identifies her as an empress and her high status, as the fancier hairstyles indicated higher status.
On the reverse side of the coin there is a depiction of victory seated on a throne, while the shield she is inscribing with a chi rho (☧) rests on a small column. This is different from previous depictions of her where she is half nude from the waist up, whereas she is fully clothed now. This could indicate a move towards Christianity and Theodosius and Flacilla comparing themselves to Constantine and Fausta, Constantine of course being the first Christian Emperor. The fact that Theodosius was also the emperor in the east, and ruled from Constantinople, Constantine’s capital, is another connection between him and Constantine.
Jonathan Turner (’25)