Contorniates, early to mid 5th century. Contorniate (Orichalcum, 43 mm, 36.70 g, 6 h), in the name of Theodosius II (402-450). D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Theodosius II to right; before, engraved palm frond. Rev. B-O-NIF-ATI-V-S Charioteer standing facing in facing slow quadriga, holding wreath in his right hand and palm frond in his left; in exergue, several monograms. Alföldi p. 151, 457 and pl. 187, 6-7. Mittag pl. 12, Theodosius II, II (obverse) and pl. 31, 186 (reverse). Extremely rare. Holed and with a spot of corrosion on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.
Contorniates, Late Roman medallions distinguished by their characteristic incised rims, are closely associated with the public spectacles and popular entertainment of the Roman world. Their imagery frequently draws on the immensely popular chariot races of the circus and on their celebrated protagonists. Charioteers enjoyed extraordinary fame in Late Antiquity and could attain the status of true public celebrities. The reverse of the present piece depicts a quadriga and explicitly identifies the charioteer by the legend BONIFATIVS. The scene should therefore be understood not merely as a generic representation of the circus, but as a deliberate celebration of this named auriga. BONIFATIVS was presumably a successful, and quite possibly victorious, charioteer