Siliqua of Arcadius (AD 383–408), struck at the mint of Milan between AD 383 and 387, belonging to issues of the early phase of his reign. Coins of this type provide important evidence of the consolidation of imperial authority following the accession of the young emperor.
The obverse features a right-facing bust of the emperor wearing a pearl diadem, cloak, and cuirass, with the legend D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, expanded as Dominus Noster Arcadius Pius Felix Augustus. The portrait emphasizes imperial dignity and continuity of rule within the Theodosian dynasty.
The reverse shows a laurel wreath enclosing the multi-line inscription VOT / V / MVLT / X, with the exergue mark MDPS. The inscription refers to five-year vows (vota quinquennalia) and wishes for future ten-year anniversaries (multa decennalia).
Roman Imperial
Arcadius (383-408), Siliqua 383-387, Milan mint
Obverse: pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
D N ARCADIVS P F AVG
Reverse: VOT / V / MVLT / X within wreath, MDPS in exergue
Diameter 17 mm, weight 1.3 g
