This ancient bronze coin was issued under Emperor Arcadius, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from AD 395–408. As the son of Theodosius I and the first emperor to rule permanently from Constantinople, Arcadius presided over the formative years of the Eastern Empire, laying foundations that would shape Byzantine identity for centuries.
The obverse features a pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Arcadius right, bearing the inscription DN ARCADIVS P F AVG, affirming him as “Our Lord Arcadius, Dutiful and Fortunate Augustus.” This portrait style reflects the refined court-centered artistic traditions of the late Roman period.
The reverse type, VIRTVS EXERCITI, depicts the emperor standing front, head right, holding a spear and resting a hand upon a shield, while Victory crowns him. This imagery reinforced imperial authority through military virtue and divine favor during a period of significant political transitions.
Measuring 17 mm and weighing 1.82 g, this piece offers a glimpse into the final century of the unified Roman imperial tradition and the developing character of the Eastern Roman state.
Region: Roman Empire (Eastern)
Date: AD 395–408
Material: Bronze
Weight: 1.82 g
Diameter: 17 mm
Ruler: Arcadius
Type: VIRTVS EXERCITI
Obverse: DN ARCADIVS P F AVG; pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: Emperor standing front, head right, holding spear and resting hand on shield, crowned by Victory.
* Additional photos or a short video can be provided upon request.
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