Arcadius 395 - 408 A.D.
| Coin Description | Arcadius, AE 14mm, Grade ??, The coin is struck slightly off-centre, VM 39, RIC IX Nicomedia 45c. |
| Obverse | The portrait is of Arcadius a diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing right. The legend reads DN ARCADIVS PF AVG meaning: DN (Dominus Noster /our lord showing the emperor to be the supreme ruler) ARCADIVS (his name) PF (Pius Felix / Dutiful and Wise) AVG Augustus which defines him as the emperor. The legend is continuous indicating that at the time Theodosius I was still the ruling and thus senior emperor. |
| Reverse | The reverse shows Victory advancing left dragging a captive and carrying a trophy, in this case a a chi-rho symbol, over her right shoulder. The legend reads SALVS REIPVBLICAE which translates as "The health of the Republic". |
| Mint | The exergue reads SMNA meaning SM (Sacred Moneta / Sacred Money) N (for Nicomedia) and A stands for the first workshop of Nicomedia (Alpha). |
| The Entire Story | The entire story of this coin would read: Our Lord Arcadius the Dutiful and Wise Augustus who makes sure our republic / Empire stays healthy and safe by defeating our enemies (symbolized by the captive). The chi-rho tells the people that the emperor is a devote Christian. |
