Lot 146
Constantine III. Gold Solidus (4.46 g), AD 407-411. Lugdunum, AD 408-411. D N CONSTAN-TINVS P F AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine III right. Reverse: VICTORIA AA AVGGGG, emperor standing right, holding standard and Victory on globe, spurning captive on ground below with foot; L-D//COMOB. RIC 1506; Lacam 3c; Depeyrot 21/2. A wonderful lustrous example. NGC grade Ch AU; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. Edge scuff, crimped. Estimated Value $2,000 - UP
Constantine III, a soldier about whom we know very little, was proclaimed emperor in Britain in 407 and soon invaded the mainland, eventually occupying all of Gaul and Spain. His authority was opposed by Honorius, the western Roman emperor, who first sent his general Sarus to oppose him, whom Constantine defeated. Although his subjects liked him - he had restored order after fending off barbarian incursions from across the Rhine frontier - his reign was not destined to last. First, Britain rose in revolt, then his magister militum Gerontius, who had been sent to Spain to quell a revolt there, likewise revolted. Finally, in 411 Honorius sent the general Constantius against him, and Constantine's forces were defeated. The usurper surrendered to Constantius but the latter had him executed regardless.
Ex The William Oldknow Collection.
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| Realized $9,600 |
