2019-08-23 Fri

23rd August is a day when Odoacer, chieftain of the Germanic tribes, is proclaimed rex Italiae ("King of Italy") by his troops in 476. His reign is commonly seen as marking the end of the Western Roman Empire.

Odoacer was a German warrior, the son of Idico (Edeco) and probably a member of the Sciri tribe. He became the first non-Roman King of Italy in 476 C.E, after defeating the last Roman king, Romulus Augustus. As a warrior, Odoacer had successfully conquered regions like Dalmatia, Sicily, regions near the Danube, etc.

The above shown gold Tremissis was issued in the name Zeno under the reign of Odoacer reign from Ravenna mint. The obverse of a coin represents the diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Zeno. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin has Cross within wreath, CONOB in exergue.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions