Maximus of Spain. Usurper, AD 409-411. AR Siliqua (14mm, 0.95 g, 12h). Barcino (Barcelona) mint. Struck AD 410-411. VF.

CNG Feature Auction 133
Lot: 631. Estimated: $ 3 000

Roman Imperial, Silver

Sold For $ 5 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Maximus of Spain. Usurper, AD 409-411. AR Siliqua (14mm, 0.95 g, 12h). Barcino (Barcelona) mint. Struck AD 410-411. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe right and reversed spear; SMBA. RIC 1601; King, Fifth, p. 291; ACIP 4437; RSC 1b. Toned, edge chip, roughness on reverse. VF. Rare.

Ex Conti Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 525 – Session 2, 20 October 2022), lot 1349; Hess-Divo 309 (28 April 2008), lot 245.

Maximus was the domesticus (household manager) and probably a relative of the general Gerontius, who revolted against Constantine III in AD 409. Basically a non-entity and Gerontius’ puppet, Maximus was allowed to retire into private life when his master committed suicide in AD 411. However, if this Maximus is the same person as the “Maximus Tyrannus” who unsuccessfully attempted to seize power in Spain around AD 420, his good fortune did not last. Said Maximus was captured and publicly executed at the games celebrating Honorius’ tricennalia at Ravenna in AD 422 as an example for any other would-be traitors. According to Philip Grierson (DOCLR, p. 219), there were about twenty known coins of Maximus at the time, though more have since surfaced.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 133 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 15-16 September 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 133 – Session Three – Lot 595-896 will be held Wednesday morning, 16 September 2026 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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