Roman Bronze AE4 Of Aelia Flacilla (AD 379–386) NGC

This NGC-certified bronze AE4 coin was struck for Aelia Flacilla, the revered Roman empress and first wife of Emperor Theodosius I, known as “Theodosius the Great.” Born in Hispania, Aelia Flacilla rose to imperial prominence in the late 4th century and became one of the most respected women of the Christian Roman Empire.

As the mother of future emperors Arcadius and Honorius, Flacilla played a central dynastic role during a time of growing division between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. Her piety and generosity were widely praised in contemporary Christian sources. The Church historian Theodoret recorded her humility and devotion, famously quoting her as saying: “To distribute money belongs to the imperial dignity, but I offer up for the imperial dignity itself personal service to the Giver.”

A staunch supporter of Nicene Christianity, she strongly opposed the spread of Arianism and worked alongside her husband to reinforce Christian orthodoxy throughout the empire. In recognition of her stature and virtue, a palace in Constantinople—the Palatium Flaccillianum—was named in her honor.

Her bronze AE4 coinage typically features her diademed bust on the obverse, with reverses reflecting imperial themes or Christian symbols aligned with Theodosian propaganda. These coins are modest in size but rich in historical significance, representing the growing influence of Christian women in late imperial politics.

Encapsulated and certified by NGC, this AE4 of Aelia Flacilla is a meaningful piece for collectors of Roman empresses, Christian imperial history, or the Theodosian dynasty.