Marcian AD 450-457 Gold Solidus Constantinople

Marcian AD 450-457 Gold Solidus

Helmeted and cuirassed bust three quarter facing/Victory standing left holding long jewelled cross

Constantinople

RCV21379, 3.49g, 18mm

Marcian AD 450-457

When Theodosius II died suddenly in AD 450 Marcian was chosen to be emperor. The western emperor, Valentinian III, had not been consulted and as a result refused to issue any coins in Marcian’s name. Until the death of Valentinian III in AD 455 all Marcian’s coinage was struck in the eastern empire. Although Marcian’s military career was not distinguished he had served in the imperial bodyguard and was highly regarded. This confidence was borne out and in general the eastern empire prospered during his reign. The coinage of Marcian contains a number of unusual types the most notable exception being the marriage solidus where Christ is depicted as standing between the emperor and empress.