2020-03-16 Mon

Valentinian III was the Western Roman Emperor reigning from 425 to 455. He elevated as Roman emperor at the age of six on 23rd October 425. His reign was marked by the ongoing collapse of the Western Empire. On this day in 455, Valentinian III was assassinated.

The only son of Flavius Constantius and Galla Placidia, Valentinian was born on 2nd July 419 in the western capital of Revanna. In the early years of his reign, Valentinian was overshadowed by his mother. After his marriage in 437, moreover, much of the real authority laid in the hands of the Patrician and Master of Soldiers Aetius.

The above shown Solidus minted during his reign from Constantinople. The obverse of a coin depicts the pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Valentinian III facing, head slightly right, spear in right hand over the shoulder, shield decorated with horseman motif in left. The reverse of a coin engraved Constantinopolis enthroned left, left foot on prow, scepter in the left hand, globus cruciger in right, shield behind; star to right, CONOB in exergue.

Image Source Heritage Auctions