Solidus - Galla Placidia VOT XX MVLT XXX, Rome

Galla Placidia never held the title of Augusta in her own right through military or senatorial acclamation — she secured it through her son Valentinian III, installed as Western emperor in 425 after the usurper Joannes was defeated with Eastern military support. The VOT XX MVLT XXX vow legend is formulaic imperial flattery projected forward, celebrating anticipated anniversaries of a reign that had barely begun; Valentinian was six years old at accession.

Placidia effectively governed the West through the late 420s, making her appearance on gold coinage politically calculated rather than ceremonial.