Lot 4232
Jovinus, AD 411-413. Silver Siliqua (1.72g) minted at Arles. Usurper in Gaul. D N IOVIN-VS P F AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Jovinus right. Reverse: RESTIT-[VT]OR REIP. Roma seated left on throne, holding Victoria (Victory) on globe in right hand and reversed spear in left; KONT in exergue. RIC 172; Cohen 2. Unusually crisp, detailed strike. Toned. Very rare. Extremely Fine.
Little is known about the origins of Jovinus, but he was reputedly a highly regarded Gallo-Roman nobleman. During the anarchic period of AD 406-411, when the western Roman Empire essentially disintegrated under repeated barbarian invasions and local insurrections, Jovinus gained the support of several Germanic tribes near the city of Mainz as an alternative to the distant and feeble regime of Honorius. In AD 411, he was proclaimed emperor at Mainz by the Alan king Goar and the Burgundian king Gundahar. Soon afterward he won the support of Athaulf, king of the Visigoths, and for a time it seemed Jovinus had secured control of all Gaul and Roman Germany. The Gallic nobility supported him and coins were struck in his name at Trier, Lugdunum and Arles. However, Jovinus made a serious mistake in obtaining the backing of another powerful Visigoth, Sarus, who was a blood-enemy of Athaulf. In AD 412, Jovinus appointed his brother Sebastianus as co-emperor, which further alienated Athaulf and caused him to open secret negotiations with Honorius. In AD 413 Athaulf openly switched sides and allied himself with the Ravenna regime. Sebastianus was swiftly captured and executed. Jovinus took refuge in the city of Valentia but surrendered after a brief siege. Although he had apparently been promised a fair hearing, Jovinus was summarily executed en route to Ravenna and his head sent on to Honorius.
The coinage of Jovinus is in many ways superior to issues of the "legitimate" Roman regime of Honorius. This rare silver siliqua of the Arles mint bears a finely engraved portrait and the weight is slightly heavier than contemporary Italian issues. The reverse inscription, which translates as "Restorer of the Republic," is a remarkable throwback to an earlier, happier age.
Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 62, lot 2122.
|
| |
| Realized $8,625 |
