Lot 3722
Extremely Rare Gold Solidus of Honoria. An absolutely splendid example of this major rarity. Minted at Ravenna in 430 AD. Diademed and draped bust of Honoria right, cross on shoulder, hand of God above. Reverse: Victory standing left, holding long cross. RIC 2022 (R4); Depeyrot 15/1 (only 34 examples noted). Well centered with full legends on both sides. A faint scrape in the right obverse field, hardly worthy of mention. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $15,000-UP.
The elder sister of Valentinian III was named Augusta at an unknown date. About 449, she fell into disgrace, having become pregnant by a married court official. The emperor arranged an honorable marriage to a man of consular rank, but Honoria sent a secret appeal to Attilla the Hun inviting him to rescue her from her distress. Eager to claim an imperial bride, Attila invaded Gaul. He suffered the only defeat of his short but appalling career when his Huns were turned back at the Catalaunian Plain (451 AD) by an alliance of Roman and Visigothic forces. Honoria was degraded and perhaps exiled, but escaped execution for her act of treason. She died in 454 AD.
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