★ A rare consular solidus of Valentinian III ★

Valentinian III, 425-455. Solidus (Gold, 22 mm, 4.47 g, 1 h), Rome, 435. D N PLA VALENTI-NIANVS P F AVG Laurel-and-rosette-diademed bust of Valentinian III to left, wearing consular robes and holding mappa in his right hand and cruciform scepter in his left. Rev. VOT X MVLT XX / R - M / COMOB Valentinian III, in consular robes, seated facing on throne with two globes on arms, holding mappa in his right hand and cruciform scepter in his left. Depeyrot 42/1. RIC 2034. Rare and unusually attractive. The obverse a bit weak, otherwise, about extremely fine.

From the collection of a retired senior air force officer, ex Goldberg 70, 4 September 2012, 3448 and Gemini VIII, 14 April 2011, 496.

This impressive solidus was struck in 435 to celebrate the decennalia and the fourth consulship of Valentinian III, who was then only sixteen years old.