Lot 165
Roman, late Imperial period, reign of Emperor Theodosius II, ca. 408 to 420 CE; Western Europe, France, ca. early 20th century CE. An incredibly luxurious gold cigarette or compact case mounted with an ancient gold AV Solidus coin of Theodosius II (401 to 450 CE). The projecting thumb clasp opens easily, and the left front rim edge of the lid is etched "14K Cartier 53C8" and "5542" on the right corner. The left side of the lid is stamped "5095," A brown velvet sleeve is included for storing the gold case, and it is also marked "Cartier." The coin is inset into the lid with an open back to view both the obverse and reverse, a twisted gold wire frames the coin. The coin's specifications follow in the extended description below. Size of case: 1.8" L x 2.25" W x 0.65" H (4.6 cm x 5.7 cm x 1.7 cm); gold quality: 58.5% (equivalent to 14K+); weight: 97.7 grams; Ancient coin: 0.73" Diameter (1.9 cm); gold quality: 97% (equivalent to 23K+)
The ancient Roman gold Solidus coin of Emperor Theodosius II, is a Constantinople mint and struck during his reign between 408-420 CE, note that he was born in 401 CE. Theodosius II was proclaimed emperor at 9 months old - sharing rulership with his father until his father's death in 408 CE, and thus at the wise age of 7, he became the sole emperor of the Eastern Empire! Coin's obverse: helmeted and facing bust of Theodosius, with a spear and shield, the shield depicts a horseman defeating an enemy. Surrounding is the inscription "DN THEODOSIUS PF AVG" (Our Lord Theodosius, Dutiful and Wise Augustus). Reverse: Constantinopolis enthroned facing left, foot on ship's prow, globus cruciger in right hand, scepter in left arm, a shield, and a star on right side. "VOT XXX MVLT XXXX I" ("Votis Tricennalibus Multis Quadragennalibus" meaning: "Vows (prayers) on the thirtieth anniversary (of the emperors rule), more for his (hoped for) fortieth anniversary.") "CONOB" in exergue, for "Constantinopoli obryzum," obryzum is Greek for pure gold, thus meaning, Constantinople pure gold. This coin alone is well-struck, lustrous, extremely fine - and valuable on its own. Set in the gold case, this coin is elevated to a functional vessel fit for Augustus himself.
Provenance: private Danvers, Massachusetts, USA collection, acquired by descent; ex-USA collection, acquired before 2000
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#187440
- Condition: Minor scratches to the modern case, but intact and excellent. Stamped and etched marks are visible, but hard to discern without magnification. A brown velvet sleeve is included for storing the case, and it is marked "Cartier." Coin is ancient, the obverse has some rubbing and softening to high pointed areas, otherwise extremely fine condition.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |