Valentinian III, 425-455.

Solidus winter 437-438, Thessalonica. D N PLA VALENTI-NIANVS P F AVG Diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust of Valentinian right / FELICITER NVBTIIS Theodosius II standing, between Valentinian III and Licinia Eudoxia. In exergue, COMOB. 4,34g. Cohen -; Depeyrot -; DO -; RIC -.

A superb specimen of this very rare coin.

Provenance:
J. J. Grano Collection.
NGSA Auction II (18 November 2002), 151.

Similar to the specimen offered in the Tkalec sale on February 29, 2000, n°452, then sold again in Triton auction V, n°2227, this extremely rare solidus commemorates the marriage of Valentinian III and Licinia, daughter of Theodosius II and Eudoxia, celebrated on October 29, 437. The imperial couple then spent the winter in Thessalonica where these exceptional coins were minted for an imperial gratification organized on the occasion of this event.