Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 93 6-7 September 2016
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Visigoths. Pseudo-Imperial Series. Gold Solidus (4.42 g), in Gaul, 417-507 Nearl. In the name of Valentinian III, with Ravenna mintmark, but of distinctly Gallic style, ca. 425/6-430(?). D N PLA VALENTI-NIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Valentinian III right. Reverse: VICTORI-A AVGGG, emperor standing right, holding standard and Victory on globe, spurning with foot captive prostrate before him; R-V//COMOB. RIC 3712 (r5 - unique; same dies). Extremely rare - perhaps the second known specimen. Well struck. Interesting graffiti ('Γ-OV/ΓA', 'X', and 'Γ-A') in fields. Lightly toned. Nearly Extremely Fine.
RIC notes (p. 223) that most of the busts of Valentinian III on these pseudo-Imperial issues "are pearl-diademed, but one die showing a rosette diadem has been recorded." Our coin is from the same dies -both obverse and reverse - as the unique specimen illustrated in RIC, which was sold by Helbing (30 June 1929), 4386. Furthermore, RIC attributes the coin to the Visigoths, struck shortly after their defeat in 425/6 by Aetius at Arles. Estimated Value $2,000-UP
Purchased from the Goldberg's in 2000From the Aurora Family Collection.
RIC notes (p. 223) that most of the busts of Valentinian III on these pseudo-Imperial issues "are pearl-diademed, but one die showing a rosette diadem has been recorded." Our coin is from the same dies -both obverse and reverse - as the unique specimen illustrated in RIC, which was sold by Helbing (30 June 1929), 4386. Furthermore, RIC attributes the coin to the Visigoths, struck shortly after their defeat in 425/6 by Aetius at Arles. Estimated Value $2,000-UP
Purchased from the Goldberg's in 2000From the Aurora Family Collection.