2019-12-28 Sat

The last heroic character to occupy the Western Roman Throne Flavius Julius Valerius Majorianus was born ca. AD 420 to an aristocratic Roman family. Appointed master of the soldiers in 457, Majorian quickly defeated the Alemannic invaders at Bellinzona. Today on 28th December in the year 457, Majorian was acclaimed emperor of the Western Roman Empire and recognized by Emperor Leo I the Thracian.

He was the last emperor to make a concerted effort to restore the Western Roman Empire with its forces. Majorian minted coins in gold, silver, and bronze. The first series of solidi were minted probably in Ravenna, and bear the joint portrait of Majorian and Leo I, thus celebrating the mutual recognition of the two Roman emperors. The mints of Ravenna and Milan issued both solidi and tremisses from the beginning of Majorian's reign.

The above-shown Tremissis is one of the examples of Gold coins issued under his reign. The obverse of a coin represents the half-length bust of Majorian right, helmeted and holding spear and shield emblazoned with Chi-Rho. The reverse of a coin has Cross within wreath, COMOB in exergue.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions