| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 385 Price realized: 650 EUR (Approx. 701 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Valentinian III AD 425-455. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,39 g D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust right, holding spear over his right shoulder and shield decorated with horseman spearing a fallen enemy / VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. Very Fine RIC 505 (Marcian). Valentinian III, born in 419, ascended to the Western Roman Emperor's throne in 425 under the guidance of his mother, Galla Placidia, and military commander Flavius Aëtius. Facing internal strife and external threats, his reign witnessed the Vandal invasion in 439, resulting in the loss of Africa and a significant blow to Italy's food supply. Aëtius, though influential, couldn't prevent the erosion of imperial authority, and the Western Roman Empire faced challenges from various barbarian groups. Valentinian's relations with the Eastern Roman Empire soured when Markian became Eastern Emperor without consultation, triggering tensions until 452. Seeking independence, Valentinian personally murdered Aëtius in 454, but the move backfired, weakening his position. On March 16, 455, during a military exercise, Valentinian met his demise, assassinated on the Mars Field in Rome. His death marked the end of the Theodosian dynasty's rule in the Western Roman Empire. Posthumously, his wife Licinia Eudoxia married Petronius Maximus, and the Vandals, led by Geiseric, sacked Rome in 455. Valentinian's family, including his daughter Eudocia and Placidia, faced political turmoil, with strategic marriages attempting to navigate the shifting landscape of the Western Roman Empire. Starting price: 200 EUR |  |
Match 1:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 193 | Silver | Auction date: 28 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 268 Price realized: 440 EUR (Approx. 477 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Marcian AD 450-457. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,42 g D N MARCIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG B, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. Very Fine, scratches RIC X 508; Depeyrot 87/1. Flavius Marcianus, commonly known as Marcian, assumed the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire in 450, reigning until his death in 457. Born around 390 in Thrace, his ascent from a soldier's son to emperor showcased his military prowess and strategic alliances. Marcian's rule was marked by financial reforms, relieving tax burdens and ensuring stability in the empire. Notably, the Council of Chalcedon in 451 saw Marcian championing orthodox Christianity, condemning Monophysitism, and promoting theological unity between East and West. In foreign policy, Marcian successfully resisted annual tributes to the Huns under Attila, bolstering the empire's prestige. After Attila's death, he skillfully navigated diplomatic relations, resettling tribes and fostering positive ties with the Persian Sassanid Empire. Despite initial tensions with the Western Roman Empire, particularly Valentinian III, Marcian's leadership eventually gained recognition. Marcian's unexpected death in 457 left a legacy of financial stability and diplomatic success. His successor, Leo I, inherited a surplus and continued many of Marcian's policies. Over the years, Marcian's reign became emblematic of a golden era, with his governance praised by contemporaries and future historians alike. Starting price: 200 EUR |  |
Match 2:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 188 | Black | Auction date: 17 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 70 Price realized: 550 EUR (Approx. 605 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Theodosius II AD 402-450. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,44 g D N THEODOSIVS•P•F•AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / IMP•XXXXII•COS•XVII•P•P•, Constantinopolis seated to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre, foot on prow, shield by throne; star in left field, COMOB in exergue. very fine RIC X 300; Depeyrot 84/1. Theodosius II, known as Flavius Theodosius, was a prominent Roman Emperor who reigned over the Eastern Roman Empire, which would later become the Byzantine Empire, from AD 408 to 450. His ascent to the throne was unique, as he took on the mantle of leadership at the young age of 7 following the death of his father, Emperor Arcadius. Due to his youth, Theodosius II was placed under the guardianship of various regents during the early years of his reign. What sets Theodosius II apart in history is the remarkable length of his rule, spanning over four decades. Throughout his reign, he heavily relied on the counsel and guidance of advisors and regents, especially during his formative years as a ruler. One of his most enduring contributions was the construction of the famous Theodosian Walls that fortified the city of Constantinople, the Byzantine capital. These formidable defenses played a pivotal role in safeguarding the city from numerous external threats, including barbarian invasions. Theodosius II was a devout Christian, and he actively supported the Nicene Creed, an important doctrine of Christian orthodoxy. He also played a significant role in ecclesiastical matters, such as the convocation of the Council of Ephesus in 431, aimed at addressing theological controversies of the time. His reign also saw the initiation of efforts to compile and organize Roman laws, resulting in the creation of the Theodosian Code. This legal code became a vital source of Roman law for both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, as well as for medieval Europe. In terms of relations with the Western Roman Empire, Theodosius II had a complex connection with his counterpart, Emperor Honorius. The Western Empire was grappling with internal strife and external threats, notably the Visigothic and Vandal invasions. Theodosius II provided limited assistance to Honorius, reflecting the challenges faced by both empires during this period. Theodosius II's reign came to an unfortunate end in 450 AD due to a riding accident. He was succeeded by Marcian, who was married to Theodosius II's sister Pulcheria. Theodosius II's long and relatively stable rule played a crucial role in preserving the Eastern Roman Empire during a time of considerable external pressures and internal complexities. His legacy endures through his significant contributions to law, fortifications, and the Christian tradition of the Byzantine Empire. Starting price: 1 EUR |  |
Match 3:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 198 | Silver | Auction date: 25 February 2024 |
| Lot number: 293 Price realized: 400 EUR (Approx. 432 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Theodosius II AD 402-450. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,36 g D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX Z, Constantinopolis seated to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre, foot on prow, shield by throne; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. Very Fine RIC X 257; Depeyrot 81/1. Theodosius II, known as Flavius Theodosius, was a prominent Roman Emperor who reigned over the Eastern Roman Empire, which would later become the Byzantine Empire, from 408 to 450 AD. His ascent to the throne was unique, as he took on the mantle of leadership at the young age of 7 following the death of his father, Emperor Arcadius. Due to his youth, Theodosius II was placed under the guardianship of various regents during the early years of his reign. What sets Theodosius II apart in history is the remarkable length of his rule, spanning over four decades. Throughout his reign, he heavily relied on the counsel and guidance of advisors and regents, especially during his formative years as a ruler. One of his most enduring contributions was the construction of the famous Theodosian Walls that fortified the city of Constantinople, the Byzantine capital. These formidable defenses played a pivotal role in safeguarding the city from numerous external threats, including barbarian invasions. Theodosius II was a devout Christian, and he actively supported the Nicene Creed, an important doctrine of Christian orthodoxy. He also played a significant role in ecclesiastical matters, such as the convocation of the Council of Ephesus in 431, aimed at addressing theological controversies of the time. His reign also saw the initiation of efforts to compile and organize Roman laws, resulting in the creation of the Theodosian Code. This legal code became a vital source of Roman law for both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, as well as for medieval Europe. In terms of relations with the Western Roman Empire, Theodosius II had a complex connection with his counterpart, Emperor Honorius. The Western Empire was grappling with internal strife and external threats, notably the Visigothic and Vandal invasions. Theodosius II provided limited assistance to Honorius, reflecting the challenges faced by both empires during this period. Theodosius II's reign came to an unfortunate end in 450 AD due to a riding accident. He was succeeded by Marcian, who was married to Theodosius II's sister Pulcheria. Theodosius II's long and relatively stable rule played a crucial role in preserving the Eastern Roman Empire during a time of considerable external pressures and internal complexities. His legacy endures through his significant contributions to law, fortifications, and the Christian tradition of the Byzantine Empire. Starting price: 200 EUR |  |
Match 4:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 198 | Silver | Auction date: 25 February 2024 |
| Lot number: 298 Price realized: 440 EUR (Approx. 476 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Marcian AD 450-457. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,41 g D N MARCIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Γ, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. Very Fine RIC 508; Depeyrot 87/1. Starting price: 200 EUR |  |
Match 5:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 382 Price realized: 480 EUR (Approx. 518 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Theodosius II AD 402-450. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,37 g D N THEODOSIVS•P•F•AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / IMP•XXXXII•COS•XVII•P•P•, Constantinopolis seated to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre, foot on prow, shield by throne; star in left field, COMOB in exergue. Very Fine RIC X 300; Depeyrot 84/1. Starting price: 200 EUR |  |
