Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 121 6-8 Oct 2022
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Anthemius. AD 467-472. AV Tremissis (15mm, 1.44 g, 5h). Rome mint. D N ANTHEMI VS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Cross within wreath; COMOB. RIC X 2845; Lacam 129 var. (obv. legend); Depeyrot 71/5 var. (same). Toned, a few minor marks. Good VF. Very rare.
From the Conti Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 23 (19 March 2002), lot 1727.
After the death of Libius Severus, the western half of the Roman Empire was without an emperor for over a year. The de facto power was initially wielded by Ricimer. At the time, Leo was either too preoccupied, or simply did not feel there was a need to nominate an emperor for the West. However, a Vandal incursion into Greece likely served as the catalytic event that prompted Leo to designate Procopius Anthemius as emperor of the western provinces. Anthemius was tasked with dealing with the Vandal menace emanating from Africa under the Vandal king Gaiseric. The expedition against Gaiseric was a total failure from the start, largely due to incompetent leadership from the operation's joint commander from the East, Leo's brother-in-law Basiliscus. The failure to defeat the Vandals, coupled with anti-Greek sentiment in Rome resulted in the deterioration of Anthemius' reputation. Eventually, Olybrius, with the aid of Ricimer, usurped power. Anthemius ultimately met his demise when he was killed by the barbarian soldier Gundobald while attempting to flee Rome.
From the Conti Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 23 (19 March 2002), lot 1727.
After the death of Libius Severus, the western half of the Roman Empire was without an emperor for over a year. The de facto power was initially wielded by Ricimer. At the time, Leo was either too preoccupied, or simply did not feel there was a need to nominate an emperor for the West. However, a Vandal incursion into Greece likely served as the catalytic event that prompted Leo to designate Procopius Anthemius as emperor of the western provinces. Anthemius was tasked with dealing with the Vandal menace emanating from Africa under the Vandal king Gaiseric. The expedition against Gaiseric was a total failure from the start, largely due to incompetent leadership from the operation's joint commander from the East, Leo's brother-in-law Basiliscus. The failure to defeat the Vandals, coupled with anti-Greek sentiment in Rome resulted in the deterioration of Anthemius' reputation. Eventually, Olybrius, with the aid of Ricimer, usurped power. Anthemius ultimately met his demise when he was killed by the barbarian soldier Gundobald while attempting to flee Rome.