★ A sharply struck and lustrous solidus of Theodosius II ★

Theodosius II, 402-450. Solidus (Gold, 21 mm, 4.52 g, 6 h), Constantinopolis, 443-450. D N THEODOSIVS•P•F•AVG Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Theodosius II facing, his head turned slightly to right, holding spear in his right hand and with a shield, decorated with a horseman spearing a fallen foe, over his left shoulder. Rev. IMP•XXXXII•COS•XVII•P•P• / COMOB Constantinopolis seated left on throne, resting her left foot on prow, holding globus cruciger in her right hand and long scepter in her left; at her side, shield; in field to left, star. Depeyrot 84/1. RIC 292. Sharply struck, lustrous and fresh, a beautiful piece. Die break on the obverse, otherwise, virtually as struck.

From a Bavarian collection of late Roman gold coins, formed in the early 2000s.