THEODOSIUS II GOLD SOLIDUS – EXCEPTIONAL GLOR ORVIS ISSUE FROM CONSTANTINOPLE – CHOICE MINT STATE STAR NGC GRADED ROMAN IMPERIAL COIN OF THE EASTERN EMPIRE (Inv. 17668)

$8,500.00

EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE. THEODOSIUS II, AD 402-450.
Gold solidus, 4.49 g, 22 mm. Issue of Constantinople, officina B.
Obv. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVC, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Theodosius three quarters right, holding spear and shield with horseman device. Rev. GLOR ORVIS TERRAR B, Theodosius standing facing, dressed in military cuirass, holding labarum and cross on globe (globus cruciger), star in left field, CONOB in exergue.
RIC X, 232; Depeyrot, 77/1.
NGC graded CHOICE MINT STATE STAR, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5, a magnificent specimen of this rare type at Constantinople, rich in detail and luster. This is the first time when the “globus cruciger”, a globe with a cross on top, appears held by an emperor and this imagery becomes standard in the numismatic repertoire henceforth. The legend “GLORY OVER THE ENTIRE WORLD” may refer to the globus cruciger, namely that Christianity, represented by the cross, has spread over the whole known world.