Arcadius. AD 383-408. Æ (25mm, 4.78 g, 12h). Cyzicus mint, 3rd officina. Struck January-August AD 383. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, holding spear and shield, and being crowned by
manus Dei from above / Arcadius standing facing, head left, holding labarum and round shield set on ground; to lower left, bound captive seated left, head upturned right; SMKΓ. RIC IX 15 var. (unlisted officina); LRBC 2547. Near EF, attractive brown patina.
Struck during the first two-thirds of 383, this coin represents the first series of Arcadius as Augustus. Born either in 377 or 378, his father Theodosius I elevated him to the purple at a very young age, being either 5 or 6 the time, with his younger brother Honorius being born the following year. During this time, Theodosius campaigned against Magnus Maximus, and Arcadius was left under ever-changing regencies. Theodosius’ victories and advancements in the west strengthened his position so much that the placement of Arcadius and his brother as emperors of the two halves of Rome seemed imminent. This prospect, disguised in regencies, came to theoretical fruition in 395 following Thedosius’ death.
