Lot 4231
Priscus Attalus, AD 409-410. Gold Solidus (4.47g) minted at Rome, September-December AD 409. IMP PRISCVS AT-TALVS P F AVG. Pearl and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Attalus right. Reverse: VICTORIA AVGVSTI R - M. Attalus standing right in military attire, holding vexillum in right hand and Victoria (Victory) on globe in left; left foot on bound captive; COMOB in exergue. RIC 1401 (R5); Cohen 9. Well struck on a full, round flan. Extremely rare. Certainly the finest example in private hands. Lustrous. Extremely Fine.
Priscus Attalus was born ca. AD 370 to a distinguished family of Ionian Greek extraction and entered the Roman Senate early in the fifth century AD. Although he was a pagan in Christian Rome, Attalus quickly became a prominent senator and spokesman for the aristocracy. Early in AD 409, the Emperor Honorius appointed him Urban Prefect, just as the Visigoths, under their charismatic king Alaric, were rampaging unchecked through Italy. By mid year, Alaric was outside the walls of Rome, demanding enormous concessions in land and gold from the West Roman government and his own appointment as commander-in-chief (magister militum). Honorius, who had taken refuge in Ravenna far to the north, refused negotiations, leaving the denizens of Rome to face slow starvation or slaughter. Outraged by Honorius' abandonment, the Senate elected Priscus Attalus as emperor with instructions to come to terms with Alaric. Attalus readily acquiesced to most of Alaric's demands and joined him in marching on Ravenna early in AD 410 to force further concessions from Honorius. At the same time, Attalus sent a small force to Africa to secure Rome's main granary. The African expedition met with defeat, prompting Honorius to again refuse talks. Attalus' popular support quickly crumbled as it became apparent he was Alaric's puppet. Attalus' decision to accept baptism as a Christian from an Arian Gothic bishop proved a further liability. With Attalus now more burden than benefit, Alaric abruptly deposed him in July of AD 410 and subjected Rome to a thorough sacking the following month. Having alienated the Romans, Attalus became a rootless camp follower of the Visigoths in their wanderings through Italy and Gaul. In AD 414, he enjoyed a brief echo of glory when Alaric's successor Athaulf again proclaimed him emperor in opposition to Honorius. This time, his brief "reign" ended in his capture by loyalist forces. He was marched in chains through the streets of Rome, ritually mutilated by the amputation of his thumb and forefinger, as a symbolic gesture against any future revolt. Then, surprisingly, he was allowed to retire to the island of Lipari, where he eventually died.
Gold solidi of Priscus Attalus rank among the greatest rarities of the Roman series. Struck at Rome following Attalus' elevation, it is of unusually fine workmanship for the period, with a remarkably realistic portrait depicting Attalus with a heavy double chin and a docile, upward-looking gaze. This piece is the finest of perhaps three specimens in private hands.
Estimated Value $200,000 - 250,000.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 62, lot 2121; NAC 42, 2007, Feirstein part 2, lot 236; NAC 18, 2000, lot 773.
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