Arcadius (AD 383–408) Eastern Roman Empire AE4 Nummus NGC F

Arcadius — The First Long-Reigning Eastern Emperor

This small bronze AE4 nummus represents Arcadius, son of Theodosius I and ruler of the eastern court during the permanent political division that followed his father’s death.

Coin Details

• Ruler: Arcadius
• Reign and issue period: Augustus AD 383–408; senior eastern emperor from AD 395
• Empire/region: Eastern Roman Empire
• Denomination: Nummus; AE4 is a modern size classification
• Composition: AE (bronze or copper alloy)
• NGC grade: F — Fine
• Sheldon-scale equivalent: 12
• Quantity supplied: One encapsulated coin

The Sheldon-scale number is an equivalent associated with the stated ancient-coin grade; it is not a separate numerical grade assigned to the coin.

Arcadius — The Court at Constantinople

Arcadius was proclaimed Augustus as a child in AD 383. When Theodosius I died in AD 395, Arcadius governed the East from Constantinople while his younger brother Honorius ruled the western empire.

His reign was shaped by powerful court officials, conflict involving Gothic forces and the growing political importance of Constantinople. Arcadius died in AD 408, leaving the eastern throne to his young son Theodosius II.

What the Coin Tells Us

The nummus was the basic small bronze unit of the late Roman economy, while AE4 is a modern size classification rather than an ancient denomination written on the coin.

Arcadius’s bronze coinage circulated through an eastern empire increasingly centered on Constantinople. Imperial portraits and reverse types communicated piety, military success and continuity despite intense political pressure.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one bronze nummus of Arcadius in an NGC Ancients holder, graded F (Fine). A specific mint, issue year, reverse design, inscription, weight or diameter is not promised unless expressly stated above.

Stock-photo notice: The photographs are representative of the product offering. The coin supplied may differ from the pictured example in portrait style, reverse design, inscriptions, centering, toning, surface appearance and other individual characteristics while remaining within the stated coin type and any expressly stated grade.