Lot 4227
Magnus Maximus, AD 383-388. Gold Solidus (4.4g) minted at Treveri, AD 385-386. D N MAG MA - XIMVS P F AVG. Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right of Magnus Maximus. Reverse: VICTOR - IA AVGG. Two emperors seated facing on throne, together holding globe; emperor to right holds mappa in his left hand; behind throne, between heads, Victoria (Victory) facing, wings outspread; below, palm branch; in exergue, TROB. RIC 77(b); Depeyrot 52/1. Well struck with underlying luster. Very scarce. Superb Extremely Fine.
One of the more colorful characters of late Antiquity, Magnus Maximus was proclaimed Augustus by his soldiers in Britain who were dissatisfied with the rule of the youthful emperor Gratian (AD 367-383). Maximus had been appointed commander-in-chief (comes) in Britain because of his intimate knowledge of the province where he had previously served under Count Theodosius. He immediately crossed to Gaul and advanced to meet Gratian in battle, but the latter was deserted by his own troops in a situation somewhat reminiscent of the downfall of Constans thirty-three years before. After Gratian's execution, Maximus was left in control of most of the Western Empire, though the late emperor's younger brother Valentinian II was still recognized in Italy. The eastern emperor Theodosius reluctantly accepted this coup d'état though he had his own dynastic ambitions, and a trial of strength between East and West appeared to be inevitable. Matters came to a head in AD 387 when Maximus invaded Italy, forcing Valentinian to seek refuge in Constantinople. This provided Theodosius with the perfect pretext for launching his own invasion of Maximus' territory and the Western emperor was decisively defeated in two battles resulting in his execution. This exceptionally well-preserved gold solidus was issued at Maximus' main mint of Treveri.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000.
The Hunter Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $13,800 |
