Theodosius II, 402-450. Solidus (Gold, 20 mm, 4.01 g, 6 h), Constantinopolis, 443-450. D N THEODOSI-VS•P•F•AVG Helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust of Theodosius II facing, his head turned slightly to right, holding spear over his shoulder in his right hand and with a shield, decorated with a horseman spearing fallen enemy, on his left shoulder. Rev. IMP•XXXXII•COS•XVII•P•P• / COMOB Constantinopolis seated left, holding globus cruciger in her right hand and scepter in her left; shield at her side; in field to left, star. Depeyrot 84/1. RIC 292. Clipped and heavily scratched on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.



In numismatics, arbitrary scratches on coins are often hastily interpreted as a 'damnatio memoriae'. However, with this piece, the completely scratched-out portrait of the emperor leaves little room for any other interpretation.