ROMAN EMPIRE. Arcadius, AD 395-423. Æ Nummus, VIRTVS EXERCITI, NGC Certified

Arcadius, AD 395–423 — Æ Nummus / Follis, “VIRTVS EXERCITI”

Identification:

• Emperor: Arcadius — Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Emperor, ruled 395–408 CE (sometimes extended to 423 if paired with co-rulers)

• Denomination: Æ Nummus (also called a bronze follis) — a common small bronze coin of the late Roman Empire

• Date Range: Typically 395–401 CE for this reverse type

• Metal: Bronze

• Size: Approximately 15–18 mm in diameter

Obverse (Front)

Inscription: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG
This stands for Dominus Noster Arcadius Pius Felix Augustus — “Our Lord Arcadius, Dutiful and Fortunate Augustus.”

Design:
A pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Arcadius facing right.

Reverse (Back)

Inscription: VIRTVS EXERCITI — Latin for “Valor (or Virtue) of the Army.”

Design:
The emperor appears standing in military attire, holding a spear and resting his left hand on a shield. The figure of Victory (Victoria) stands behind or beside him, crowning him with a wreath and often holding a palm branch.

This reverse type symbolizes the strength and loyalty of the army to the emperor.

Mint Marks & Variations

These coins were struck at several Eastern mints, and the mintmark (letters in the exergue) identifies where it was made:

• SMNA / SMNA( ) — Nicomedia (modern İzmit, Turkey)

• ANT( ) — Antioch (Syria)

• SMKA — Cyzicus (Asia Minor)

• ALED — Alexandria

The exact mintmark will usually be visible in the small exergue line at the bottom of the reverse, if preserved.

Historical Context

Arcadius was the eldest son of Emperor Theodosius I and became ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire upon his father’s death. His reign was marked by power struggles among court officials and generals, and coins like this one reflect the imperial emphasis on military support and stability at a time of internal and external pressures.