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Banner Artemide LVIII
Rome Mint Anthemius Solidus
Lot # 560
Anthemius (467-472). AV Solidus. Rome mint, 471-472 AD. Obv. DN ANTHEMI - VS PF AVG. Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and round shield decorated with soldier on horseback riding right. Rev. SALVS REI - PV - BLICAE. Anthemius and Leo I standing facing, supporting filleted globus cruciger inscribed PAX between them, with the latter also holding Victory on globe; R - M in field; COMOB in exergue. RIC X 2804 and pl. 62, 2804; Depeyrot 70/1; Lacam 30 and pl. CXI. AV. 4.43 g. 21.00 mm. RR. A choice example of this very rare and historically important issue. From a slightly worn reverse die, otherwise. about EF. After the death of Libius Severus, the western half of the Roman Empire was without an emperor for over a year. The power was wielded de facto by Ricimer, and Leo was either too busy or did not feel there was a need to nominate an emperor. Matters changed, however, probably as a result of a Vandal raid into Greece, and Leo designated Procopius Anthemius emperor of the western provinces to deal with the Vandal menace issuing from Africa under their king, Gaiseric. The expedition against Gaiseric was a total failure from the start due to the incompetence of the joint commander from the East, Leo's brother-in-law Basiliscus. With the failure to defeat the Vandals and anti-Greek feelings in Rome, Anthemius was not well liked and eventually Olybrius, with the aid of Ricimer, usurped power. Anthemius was killed by the barbarian soldier Gundobald as he attempted to flee Rome. (CNG 73,1029 note).
The gold coinage of Anthemius reflects his origins by following the convention for frontal portraiture found on East Roman and later Byzantine coins. The reverse of this incredible Rome-mint gold solidus celebrates the supposed unity of East and West empires by showing Anthemius and Leo together supporting a long cross, on which rests, according to the legend, the 'Health of the Republic.' (Heritage 3033, 23100 note).