Sale: Nomos 5, Lot: 257. Estimate CHF425.  Closing Date: Monday, 24 October 2011.  Sold For CHF550. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Divus Romulus. Died AD 309. Follis (Bronze, 7.40 g 12), Ostia, late 309 - October 312. DIVO ROMVLO N V BIS CONS Bare head of Divus Romulus to right. Rev. AETERNAE MEMORIAE / MOSTQ Eagle standing on the domed roof of a circular shrine with its doors ajar. RIC VI, p. 404, 34. An attractive coin with a fine portrait and a brown patina. Good very fine.

Ex Hauck & Aufhäuser 20, 16 October 2007, 564.

Little is known about Valerius Romulus, the older son of Maxentius. He seems to have been born c. 292/295 and seems to have died when he was at least 14, after serving twice as consul with his father, in 308 and 309. This young prince’s death apparently shattered his father’s attempt at founding a dynasty. The portrait that appears on this coin shows a very serious young man.