Aelia Pulcheria. Augusta, AD 414-453. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Theodosius II, AD 443-450. EF.

CNG Feature Auction 126
Lot: 928.
Closing Date: May 29 2024 11:00 ET

The Family of Constantine Collection, Gold

Estimate: $ 3 000

BID NOW

Aelia Pulcheria. Augusta, AD 414-453. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Theodosius II, AD 443-450. Pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / Constantinopolis seated left, holding globus cruciger and scepter, foot on prow; shield to right; star to left; COMOB. RIC X 295; Depeyrot 84/3; Biaggi –. Toned, trace find patina, a few faint scratches. EF. Rare.

From the Family of Constantine Collection, assembled with guidance by Roland Michel, Geneva. Ex Tkalec (19 February 2001), lot 425.

The sister of Emperor Theodosius II, Aelia Pulcheria, was a major force in the life of the young emperor. Governing him as a young man until he came of age, Pulcheria prepared the emperor for his duties and served as a constant guiding voice and counselor to him. Present throughout his accomplishments and major events, Pulcheria eventually won the contest between her and her brother’s wife, Aelia Eudocia, who was eventually dismissed from court. While she was a teenager, Pulcheria took a vow of virginity which she maintained until her death. This dedication to God inspired some of Theodosius’ imperial propaganda during wars with the Sasanian Persians, and the Romans considered Pulcheria’s pious dedication of her virginity to be a source of blessing upon the Empire from God. Theodosius died unexpectedly after being mortally injured during a hunting accident in AD 450. Upon his death, Pulcheria was tasked with appointing his successor. She chose a man of Roman stock, though not of nobility, named Marcian. She married the new emperor on the condition that he not make her violate her vow of virginity, to which Marcian agreed. This unconventional marriage was made possible by church officials, who sponsored the agreement and decreed that God approved of the union and arrangement.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 126 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 28-29 May 2024. This lot is in Session Three, which will begin 29 May at 9 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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