WESTERN ROMAN EMPIRE. Johannes (AD 423-425). Lot of Two AE4 Nummi, total weight 2.00g.

WESTERN ROMAN EMPIRE. Johannes (Joannes), usurper AD 423-425. Lot of Two (2) AE4 Nummi. Total weight: 2.00 g.

Struck by Johannes at Rome, 20 November 423 – May 425 AD, during his brief western usurpation after the death of Honorius. 

Rev: VICTORIA AVGGG (?) – two Victories facing, or Victory advancing left dragging captive, of the SALVS REIPVBLICAE type commonly struck for this reign. Dark olive-green patina, round flan, approx. 11-12 mm. Weight ∼1.0-1.2 g (comparable published examples: 1.18 g). 

2) Obv: Similar diademed bust right, legend worn.

Rev: Cross in wreath / Victory type, typical small module of the period. Irregular, slightly ragged flan with edge chips as made, dark brown-green encrustation, approx. 9-10 mm. Weight ∼0.8-1.0 g (published Johannes minimus: 0.59 g, 9.7 mm). 

Condition: Fair to Fine, both with the characteristic tight, uneven flans of the Johannes bronzes, partial legends, surface roughness and earthen deposits. Dark green-brown patina, stable. A scarce usurper pair, ideal for a late Roman bronze collection.

Provenance / Notes: Johannes was primicerius notariorum for Honorius and seized the western throne at Ravenna; he was captured in early summer 425 and executed. His bronzes are rare and always small and crude. 

Total lot weight as weighed: 2.00 grams (both coins together)