Lot 3450
Licinia Eudoxia, wife of Valentinian III, AD 425-455. Gold Solidus (4.47 g) minted at Rome, c. AD 440-455. Draped bust facing of Licinia Eudoxia, wearing spiked headdress with pendillia, cross at top. Reverse: Empress enthroned facing, holding cross on globe and long cruciform scepter; R - M in field. RIC Vol. X, 2016 [as R5]; C. 1. Extreme rarity. Face in low relief, displaying great delicacy of engraving. Struck on a large, round flan, showing complete legends. Extremely Fine.
Licinia Eudoxia, born in AD 422, was the daughter of Theodosius II and Eudocia, and married Valentinian III in AD 437. This was not a time to be living in the western part of the Roman Empire, so after Valentinian's death, she eventually moved to the East. At this time the sack of Rome took place by the Vandals, so Licinia Eudoxia first went to Carthage, then Constantinople. Her coins are of extreme rarity, and in gazing upon this one, one can see the heralding of early Byzantine art, with its flatness, static poses and singular dimension.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000.
Ex Biaggi collection 2357.
|
| |
| Realized $41,400 |
