2019-11-27 Wed

Galla Placidia was the daughter of Roman Emperor Theodosius the Great. A major force in Roman politics for most of her life, she was regent to Valentinian III from 423 until 437. She was queen consort to Ataulf, king of the Visigoths from 414 until his death in 415, and briefly empress consort to Constantius III in 421. She died today on 27th November, 450 in Rome.

Her noble origins didn’t shelter her from a tumultuous life. She was in Rome during its infamous sack by the Gothic king Alaric, who kidnapped the princess in the process. The princess made her way back to Ravenna in 417, becoming empress when she married Emperor Constantius III. He died soon after, which left her as regent to their young son Valentinian until 437.

Depicted here is gold solidus issued under his reign from Ravenna. The obverse of a coin depicts the Pearl-diademed, draped bust right, Chi-Rho on the shoulder, above Hand of God holding crown. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin engraved Victory standing left holding the long cross, star above, R - V across the field, COMOB in exergue.

Image Source: colnect.com