Theodosius I Roman AE (AD 379–395) NGC

Own a certified Roman bronze AE of Theodosius I (AD 379–395), authenticated and slabbed by NGC. This coin connects to the final chapter of a unified Roman Empire under a single ruler.

Born in Spain around 346 AD, Theodosius rose through the military ranks and gained a reputation as a capable commander. In the wake of the catastrophic Roman defeat at Adrianople, Emperor Gratian appointed Theodosius to assume leadership of the Eastern Empire in 379 AD — a critical move to restore stability and military strength.

Theodosius spent the next decade consolidating power, repelling barbarian incursions, and dealing with internal divisions. In 392, after the suspicious death of his brother-in-law Valentinian II, Theodosius became the sole ruler of both East and West. For the final three years of his reign, he presided over a unified Roman Empire — the last emperor in history to do so.

A devout Christian, Theodosius also played a key role in establishing Nicene Christianity as the empire’s dominant faith. His religious policies, including bans on pagan worship, helped shape the Christian identity of the Byzantine world that followed.

Bronze AE coins of Theodosius I typically feature his diademed or helmeted bust on the obverse, while reverses highlight themes of victory, divine favor, or imperial authority — messages central to his vision of a renewed and unified empire.

Certified by NGC, this AE coin offers collectors a tangible piece of history from the reign of Rome’s last truly universal emperor.