★ Rare Cherson maiorina ★

Theodosius II (402-450) AE Maiorina. Cherson, 4.15g, 23mm.
Obv: D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG; helmeted, diademed and draped bust right, holding shield on left arm and spear facing forwards
Rev: CONCORDIA AG; Theodosius and Valentinian, nimbate, standing facing holding long cross between them; CONS in exergue.
RIC 460; Vagi 3750; LRBC 2231. (Reverse die match to Roma Numismatics E-Sale 75 lot 907, 15.10.2020.)
From the Severus Alexander collection, ex Warren Esty collection.
Rare (only 6 on acsearch).
The diadem has been slightly tooled. (Sadly tooling is not unusual on Cherson AEs.)

The only large late Roman bronzes were minted for use in Cherson. Founded on the Crimean peninsula by Dorian Greeks in the 5th century BCE, the city was an important trading centre and point of connection to the vast tribes of the Russian and Asian steppe. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. While the coins bear the mint mark of Constantinople, it is generally agreed that their style and fabric indicate local production. This coin was issued not long after the city had been recovered from a brief occupation by the Huns.