Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 132 30-31 May 2022
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Johannes, 423 – 425
Solidus, Ravenna 423–425, AV 4.26 g. D N IOHAN – NES P F AVG Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Emperor standing r., holding standard and Victory on globe, spurning captive with his l. foot; in field, R – V and in exergue, COMOB. C 4. Depeyrot 12/1. LRC 819. RIC 1901 (this coin cited).
Rare. Traces of edge filing, otherwise about extremely fine
Ex NAC sale 67, 2012, Huntington, 242. Ex HSA 22128.
The closest surviving male relative of the Western emperor Honorius when he died in August 423 was Valentinian III, the son of Galla Placidia. When alive Honorius had banished his half-sister, so at the time of his death both she and her son were living in Constantinople. Her absence afforded the primicerius notariorum (chief notary) Johannes the opportunity to seize power in Rome, which he did with support from Castinus and Aëtius, both barbarians in the service of the Western empire. However, Johannes' rule was short-lived. Theodosius II had sent a small armada to Italy under the command of the general Arbadurius to oust Johannes and then install Valentinian III on the throne. Although Johannes managed to capture Arbadurius, the crafty general convinced several of Johannes' officers to betray him. The rebel was captured and then taken to Aquileia where, before he was executed, he was mutilated and paraded before jeering crowds.
View a video of this lot
Solidus, Ravenna 423–425, AV 4.26 g. D N IOHAN – NES P F AVG Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Emperor standing r., holding standard and Victory on globe, spurning captive with his l. foot; in field, R – V and in exergue, COMOB. C 4. Depeyrot 12/1. LRC 819. RIC 1901 (this coin cited).
Rare. Traces of edge filing, otherwise about extremely fine
Ex NAC sale 67, 2012, Huntington, 242. Ex HSA 22128.
The closest surviving male relative of the Western emperor Honorius when he died in August 423 was Valentinian III, the son of Galla Placidia. When alive Honorius had banished his half-sister, so at the time of his death both she and her son were living in Constantinople. Her absence afforded the primicerius notariorum (chief notary) Johannes the opportunity to seize power in Rome, which he did with support from Castinus and Aëtius, both barbarians in the service of the Western empire. However, Johannes' rule was short-lived. Theodosius II had sent a small armada to Italy under the command of the general Arbadurius to oust Johannes and then install Valentinian III on the throne. Although Johannes managed to capture Arbadurius, the crafty general convinced several of Johannes' officers to betray him. The rebel was captured and then taken to Aquileia where, before he was executed, he was mutilated and paraded before jeering crowds.
View a video of this lot