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  [Image]                              Item Sold At Auction #6
                                  -----------------------------------
                 Web Product ID: 1527
                 Estimate: $750.00
                 Final Sale Price: $1,045.00
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                 Denomination: Tremissis
                 Grade: Good VF
                 Reference: RIC X 214; DOCLR 448; MIRB 49; Depeyrot 72/4




  Aelia Pulcheria, sister of Theodosius II. Died 453 AD. AV Tremissis (1.48 gm). Struck
  circa 414-420 AD. Constantinople mint. AEL PVLCH-ERIA AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and
  cuirassed bust right, wearing necklace and earring / Cross within wreath; CONOB*. RIC
  X 214; DOCLR 448; MIRB 49; Depeyrot 72/4. Good VF, scratches on reverse. Rare.
  Estimate $750.



  As a criteria for establishing chronology for the tremisses struck under the
  empresses, Kent compares the design of the wreath ties to those found on the dated
  silver coinage of the period (RIC X pg. 84f). This particular coin comes from the
  first of six substantive issues in Pulcheria's name and was probably struck upon her
  coronation. Additionally, Kent suggests that we might find the reason behind these
  issues in the anonymous Life of St. Theodore of Sykeon (circa early 7th century)
  which suggests "that tremisses were suitable gifts from great persons to monasteries,
  and it is possible that Pulcheria's benefactions and Eudocia's pilgrimages were
  important stimuli to their coinage."