IMP XXXXII COS XVII P P (type I, A) (441 / 450) atelier Comitatus


Reference : AYC #25, RIC 322
Weight: 4.42 grs
Metal: Gold
Diameter: ?
Scarcity: Scarce
Type:

Obverse

Reverse

DN THEODO - SIVS PF AVG

Bust of Theodosius II facing, cuirassed, wearing a helmet with crest and a pearl diadem. Holding a spear passing behind his head with the right hand and a decorated shield with a horseman slaying an enemy, with the left hand.

INP XXXXII COS – XVII P P

Constantinople seated left on a throne, holding a spear with the left hand and a globe surmounted by a cross with the right hand. A shield behind the throne and a star in the field to the left.

Marks

COMOB
Numéro :

Photo from the catalog quoted below, with kind permission of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, link to Gallica for download the catalog:: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bd6t5382796m/f162.item  Catalog 334 from Dr Busso Peus, 04/11/1992, lot 1095. This is the copy illustrating RIC X n°322. I note that the reverse legend begins with INP. In my opinion this is an obverse die from an old issue which was used to save time for this new issue probably made in a comitatus mint. The transport of coins is therefore understandable, if only to serve at least as a model. 

Variant with obverse legend DN THEODO - SIVS PF AVG as on older issues from other types.

Type I: with mark COMOB and the reverse legend usually ending before the shield with a square throne, the right leg as a triangular protuberance, stiff drapery and vertical scepter. This corresponds to type III of RIC X. Var A is the same as RIC X: elongated and long shield.

See AYC #21, RIC 323: https://www.all-your-coins.com/en/archives-anciennes/romaines-imperiales/imp-xxxxii-cos-xvii-p-p-type-i-a-441-450, for the commentary explaining the entire coinage.