Roman Empire AV solidus c. AD 423-9 St. Aelia Pulcheria, sister of Theodosius II, pedigree to 1971 or earlier VF-, gelocht

Prijsbieding

Roman Empire, St. Aelia Pulcheria, sister of Theodosius II and Josephite wife of Marcian, AV solidus (4.37 g), Constantinople, third officina, struck under Theodosius II c. AD 423-9.

Aelia Pulcheria was the oldest child of Arcadius to survive to adulthood. At the age of fourteen she became the guardian of her younger brother Theodosius II, and took a lifetime vow of virginity, which she kept. Her life was noted for its great piety, charity and learning, although she was also an able politician who was one of the most powerful figures in the Empire during Theodosius II's reign. She married Marcian in AD 450, and became empress but the marriage was unconsummated, in keeping with her vow.

While the Nestorian and Eustychian heresies were matters of controversy, Pulcheria remained staunchly orthodox, and she was instrumental in their condemnation. St. Cyril of Alexandria addressed the treatise "De fide ad Pulcheriam" to her. Pulcheria has been venerated as a Saint since time immemorial and her feast day is 10 September in the Latin Church.

It is not surprising given her veneration that the few examples of her rare coinage are often found having been used in jewellery.

about very fine, from ancient jewellery, holed. Rare.

RIC 227

ex-Adalbert Balvin (1891-1971) collection;

possibly ex-Sotheby, 30 May - 1 June 1904, lot 313 (same type, "fine and very rare, but pierced", no illustration or weight); however, this could also be the coin from the Ashburnham sale which was pierced in a different position.

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