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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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Title: Semissis of Aelia Pulcheria
Date: 415–453
Culture: Byzantine
Medium: Gold
Dimensions: .56 x .6 in. (14.2 x 15.4mm)
Classification: Metalwork-Coins
Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
Accession Number: 2021.37.21
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