Römisches Reich. Lot of 3 Æ Folles including Theodosius I, Honorius and Arcadius (Ohne Mindestpreis)

Coin 1:

Civilization: Roman Empire
Ruler: Theodosius I
Mint: Aquileia
Year: 379-395 AD
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Follis
Diameter: 23.0mm
Weight: 5.1g
Reference: Aquileia RIC IX 30d; Cohen 27; Vienna 191784.

Obverse
DN THEODO-SIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right

Reverse
REPARATIO REIPVB, Theodosius standing left, holding Victory on globe and with right hand raising a kneeling female. Mintmark SMAQP

Coin 2:

Civilization: Roman Empire
Ruler: Honorius
Mint: Antioch
Year: 392 - 395 AD
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Follis
Diameter: 18.1mm
Weight: 2.92g
Reference: Antioch RIC IX 68f

Obverse
DN HONORIVS PF AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right

Reverse
GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor standing right, holding labarum and globe. Mintmark ANTΔ

Coin 3:

Civilization: Roman Empire
Ruler: Arcadius
Mint: Cyzicus
Year: 395-408 AD
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Follis
Diameter: 23.0mm
Weight: 6.59g
Reference: RIC IX Cyzicus 25c

Obverse
DN ARCADIVS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right

Reverse
VIRTVS E-XERCITI, Emperor standing right, holding labarum and globe, left foot on captive. Mintmark SMKΔ



Theodosius I (reigned 379–395 AD), also known as Theodosius the Great, was the last emperor to rule over both the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire. His reign was a pivotal period in late antiquity, characterized by the Christianization of the empire, military challenges, and administrative reforms.

Born in Hispania, Theodosius rose to power during a time of crisis. Following the disastrous Battle of Adrianople in 378 AD, which saw the Eastern Roman army defeated by Gothic forces, he was appointed emperor of the East. Theodosius successfully negotiated with the Goths, settling them as foederati within the empire—a precedent with long-term implications.

Honorius was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 393 to 423 AD, primarily known for being the Western Roman Emperor during a time of significant decline and instability in the empire. He became emperor at a young age following the death of his father, Theodosius I, and his reign was heavily influenced by powerful figures, including his chief advisor, Stilicho. Honorius faced numerous challenges, including the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 AD, a pivotal event that symbolized the weakening of Roman authority in the West. His reign ended with his death in 423 AD, leading to a power struggle and further fragmentation of the Western Roman Empire.

Arcadius (377–408 AD), Eastern Roman Emperor from 395, ruled during the empire’s pivotal division. The son of Theodosius I, he ascended as a figurehead, overshadowed by dominant court figures. Weak and passive, Arcadius delegated power to advisors like the ambitious eunuch Eutropius and his wife, Aelia Eudoxia, who wielded significant influence.

His reign saw the consolidation of the Eastern Empire’s identity. Key events included conflicts with Stilicho, regent of the West, and managing Gothic tensions. Eutropius’ controversial reforms and eventual downfall in 399 highlighted the internal intrigues of the court. Eudoxia’s feud with Patriarch John Chrysostom reflected the era's complex church-state dynamics.

Despite his subdued leadership, Arcadius' reign set the stage for a stable Eastern Empire, which would evolve into Byzantium. His death in 408 left his son Theodosius II as his successor, continuing the dynasty amidst a shifting Roman world.