Zeno

UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Late 5th century AD or slightly later. Solidus (Gold, 20 mm, 4.45 g, 6 h), imitating Zeno (476-491). Uncertain mint. D N ZENO PERP AVG Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Zeno facing, his head turned slightly to right, holding spear in his right hand and with shield, decorated with horseman attacking a fallen foe, over his left shoulder. Rev. VICTORI-A AVGGG Θ / CONOR Victory standing front, head to left, holding long jeweled cross in her right hand; in field to right, star. Depeyrot -. RIC -. Extremely rare. Somewhat rough, otherwise, about extremely fine.


The attribution of CONOR coins remains one of the great mysteries of late Roman numismatics. These coins were once thought to be minted by Theoderic, but they are now believed to come from an unknown imperial mint that began producing gold coins for the Eastern Roman emperors, starting with Leo. However, Germanic imitations of CONOR coins - like the specimen here - are certainly of Western origin, and are extremely rare.

Ex Leu Numismatik, Web Auction 32, 09.12.2024, lot 3135

Collection : Ostrogoths - Solidi