Petronius Maximus. Usurper, AD 455. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.25 g, 6h). Rome mint. Fine.

Triton XXVI
Lot: 891. Estimated: $ 5 000

Roman Imperial, Gold

Sold For $ 12 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Petronius Maximus. Usurper, AD 455. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.25 g, 6h). Rome mint. D N PETRONIVS MA XIMVS P F AVC, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORI A AVGGG, Petronius standing facing, holding long cross in right hand and Victory set on globe in left, right foot on human-headed serpent; R|M//COMOB. RIC X 2201 (same obv. die as 2202/2); Depeyrot 48/1; Lacam Groupe, Pl. XVII, 1; DOCLR 874; Biaggi 2362. Lightly toned, scratches. Fine. Extremely rare.

From the S & S Collection. Ex Russel Bement, Jr. Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 51, 15 September 1999), lot 1540; Numismatic Fine Arts [XIX] (18 December 1987), lot 945.

Following the assassination of Valentinian III in AD 455, Petronius Maximus seized the throne and immediately married Valentinian’s wife, Licinia Eudoxia. Licinia, believing that Petronius was responsible for her late husband’s death, was not happy with the new arrangement, and she appealed to the Vandal king of Carthage, Gaiseric, for help. Gaiseric responded to Licinia’s plea and quickly sailed for Italy. Fearing for his life, Petronius decided to flee, but was abandoned by his bodyguard. While riding out of Rome on 31 May, he was stoned and killed. His reign lasted for only seventy days.

The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.

Triton XXVI – Session Three – Lots 674-990 will be held Wednesday morning, 11 January 2023 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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