The Usurper Maximus of Spain

CNG 99, Lot: 759. Estimate $3000. Sold for $2400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Maximus of Spain. Usurper, AD 409-411. AR Siliqua (14mm, 1.25 g, 6h). Barcino (Barcelona) mint. [D N MAXIM-V]S P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIC[TOR]-AA (sic) AVGGG, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and inverted spear; SMBA. RIC X 1601; Balaguer 1-37; King, Fifth p. 291; ACIP 4437; RSC 1b corr. (rev. legend). VF, toned, typical compact flan. Very rare.

Ex Numismatic Ars Classica 64 (17 May 2012), lot 2765.

Not a great deal is known about the usurper Maximus. He was very likely related to Gerontius, a general under the usurper Constantine III (see previous lot). As relations between Constantine and Gerontius deteriorated, the latter chose to proclaim Maximus emperor rather than himself. Maximus’ siliquae were struck on flans that were smaller than the dies and thus rarely have complete legends. The ending of the reverse legend with AVGGG appears to be an acknowledgment of the emperors Honorius in the West and Theodosius II in the East, a gesture which may have saved the usurper’s life. We are told Honorius pardoned Maximus after Gerontius’ forces deserted him.