Watch List notes:

ROMAN AND BYZANTINE COINS

Majorian. AD 457-461. Nummus (Bronze, 12mm, 1.41 g 6), Ravenna, 458-461. D N MAIORIANVS P F AV Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Majorian to right. Rev. VICTORIA AVGG / R V Victory standing left. RIC 2617-2618 var. Extremely rare, probably an unpublished legend variety. Well centered for the issue and with a nice green patina. About extremely fine.

From the collection of a European specialist.

The very minor, low value AE coinage of the Late Empire must have been produced in fairly immense numbers, but it is actually very rare today, especially in decent condition. This can be explained by the fact that such coins were very easy to lose and were of such low value that they would not be picked up. In addition, their small size and poor alloy would have made them quite susceptible to corrosion and disintegration. Thus, having a piece as well-preserved as the present example is truly unusual.