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Banner Artemide LVII
Outstanding Nepos of Mediolanum
Lot # 575
Julius Nepos (474-475). AV Tremissis. Mediolanum mint. Obv. D N IVL NE–POS P F AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Cross within wreath; in exergue, COMOB. RIC X 3220; Lacam 78. AV. 1.44 g. 14.00 mm. RR. Brilliant and superb, underlying luster. EF. Nepos was a powerful and well-connected figure, virtually the hereditary ruler of Dalmatia, and married to a relative of Verina, empress of Leo I. No evidence exists to enable his personal qualities to be assessed. His seizure of the western throne appears to have had the blessing of Zeno, but he never received more than diplomatic support from the East. His recognition in Italy was divided into two periods by the usurpation of Romulus followed probably by several months during which Odovacar acknowledged only the eastern emperor. His acceptance as nominal emperor was evidently conditional on his remaining in Dalmatia, but is implicit in the 'vengeance' for his murder exacted by Odovacar in 481. Presumably Italy was to be governed in his name 'until he himself should come', the later arrangement between Theoderic and Zeno (Anonymus Valesianus, 49). (RIC X, p. 204).