Galla Placidia, regent for her son Valentinian III. Gold Solidus (4.5g). Minted at Ravenna in 422 AD. Diademed and draped bust of Placidia to right, cross on shoulder, hand of God above. Reverse: Victory standing left, holding long cross. RIC 2012; Depeyrot 13/2. A wonderful, lustrous example with a small scrape on the reverse which is well concealed on Victory's waist. A well centered example with full legends on both sides. Extremely Fine. An important rarity in the series.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
This unfortunate daughter of Theodosius I was captured by Alaric in 410, during the Visigothic sack of Rome. She was held hostage by the Visigoths, and in 414 was married to the Visigothic leader Ataulf, to whom she bore a son, Valentinian III. During the first twelve years of the reign of her son, she acted as regent of the Western provinces, but her last years were dedicated to the erection of churches and other sacred buildings at Ravenna.
