6533b85dfe1ef96bd12bde87

RESEARCH PRODUCT

New nummi of Aelia Flaccilla with symbols from Antiochia and Nicomedia (c. 383 AD)

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description

A medium sized bronze coin has recently come to our attention, which we think is worthy of publication. It is a Late Roman Æ 2 (maiorina, pecunia or, just, a nummus; 21.5 mm, 5.63 g, 11) in the name of Aelia Flaccilla Augusta, the wife of Theodosius I (383–386) and the mother of Arcadius and Honorius. The obverse shows a bust of the empress wearing an elaborate headdress, a pearl necklace, and drapery; surrounding her is the legend AEL FLAC-CILLA AVG. The reverse legend is SALVS REI-PVBLICAE, with ANTЄ in the exergue. The type is the empress, standing, facing, with her arms crossed before her breast and her head to right. Ostensibly, this is a normal issue of Antioch, as RIC IX, p. 291, 62.