Semissis of Aelia Pulcheria
Not on view
Minted in Constantinople, the coin presents a profile of Aelia Pulcheria, who was made august at 14 and became the power behind the throne for most of the reign of her brother Theodosius II (r. 401 – 450) and chose his successor Marcian (r. 450 - 457). Extremely devout, she closed all pagan temples. She would become recognized as a saint.
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