Roman Bronze AE2 of Arcadius (about 1,617-1,642 years ago)
This bronze coin is an AE2 denomination issued during the reign of Emperor Arcadius, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 383 to 408 CE. As the elder son of Theodosius I and the first ruler of the permanently divided Eastern Roman Empire, Arcadius presided over a critical transitional period in late Roman history.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Arcadius facing right, wearing a pearl diadem and imperial robes, with his name and titles in Latin around the edge.
Back side: Likely features common late Roman imagery such as the emperor standing with military standards, Victory crowning the emperor, or possibly the "GLORIA ROMANORVM" (Glory of the Romans) design.
Technical Details:
Bronze alloy composition
Denomination: AE2 (larger bronze coin in the late Roman monetary system)
Weight: Approximately 4-5 grams
Diameter: Approximately 22-24 mm
NGC Certified for authentication and preservation
Minted between 383-408 CE
Condition as specified by NGC certification
Historical Significance: Arcadius's reign marked the permanent division of the Roman Empire following his father Theodosius I's death. Only eighteen when he gained the throne, historical accounts describe him as weak and easily manipulated by court officials, particularly the influential Rufinus who reportedly encouraged Gothic tribal invasions of Greece. His daughter Pulcheria played a significant role in promoting the cult of the Virgin Mary, accelerating the Christianization of the empire. During Arcadius's rule, Arian Christian Goths destroyed many remaining pagan temples and statues in Greece, further erasing classical religious traditions. Despite his ineffective personal leadership, the Eastern Empire remained relatively stable compared to the increasingly threatened West, establishing the foundation for what would later become the Byzantine Empire.
This bronze coin is an AE2 denomination issued during the reign of Emperor Arcadius, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 383 to 408 CE. As the elder son of Theodosius I and the first ruler of the permanently divided Eastern Roman Empire, Arcadius presided over a critical transitional period in late Roman history.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Arcadius facing right, wearing a pearl diadem and imperial robes, with his name and titles in Latin around the edge.
Back side: Likely features common late Roman imagery such as the emperor standing with military standards, Victory crowning the emperor, or possibly the "GLORIA ROMANORVM" (Glory of the Romans) design.
Technical Details:
Bronze alloy composition
Denomination: AE2 (larger bronze coin in the late Roman monetary system)
Weight: Approximately 4-5 grams
Diameter: Approximately 22-24 mm
NGC Certified for authentication and preservation
Minted between 383-408 CE
Condition as specified by NGC certification
Historical Significance: Arcadius's reign marked the permanent division of the Roman Empire following his father Theodosius I's death. Only eighteen when he gained the throne, historical accounts describe him as weak and easily manipulated by court officials, particularly the influential Rufinus who reportedly encouraged Gothic tribal invasions of Greece. His daughter Pulcheria played a significant role in promoting the cult of the Virgin Mary, accelerating the Christianization of the empire. During Arcadius's rule, Arian Christian Goths destroyed many remaining pagan temples and statues in Greece, further erasing classical religious traditions. Despite his ineffective personal leadership, the Eastern Empire remained relatively stable compared to the increasingly threatened West, establishing the foundation for what would later become the Byzantine Empire.
This bronze coin is an AE2 denomination issued during the reign of Emperor Arcadius, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 383 to 408 CE. As the elder son of Theodosius I and the first ruler of the permanently divided Eastern Roman Empire, Arcadius presided over a critical transitional period in late Roman history.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Arcadius facing right, wearing a pearl diadem and imperial robes, with his name and titles in Latin around the edge.
Back side: Likely features common late Roman imagery such as the emperor standing with military standards, Victory crowning the emperor, or possibly the "GLORIA ROMANORVM" (Glory of the Romans) design.
Technical Details:
Bronze alloy composition
Denomination: AE2 (larger bronze coin in the late Roman monetary system)
Weight: Approximately 4-5 grams
Diameter: Approximately 22-24 mm
NGC Certified for authentication and preservation
Minted between 383-408 CE
Condition as specified by NGC certification
Historical Significance: Arcadius's reign marked the permanent division of the Roman Empire following his father Theodosius I's death. Only eighteen when he gained the throne, historical accounts describe him as weak and easily manipulated by court officials, particularly the influential Rufinus who reportedly encouraged Gothic tribal invasions of Greece. His daughter Pulcheria played a significant role in promoting the cult of the Virgin Mary, accelerating the Christianization of the empire. During Arcadius's rule, Arian Christian Goths destroyed many remaining pagan temples and statues in Greece, further erasing classical religious traditions. Despite his ineffective personal leadership, the Eastern Empire remained relatively stable compared to the increasingly threatened West, establishing the foundation for what would later become the Byzantine Empire.
