Pseudo-Imperial, Odovacar (Odoacer) ,Zeno AU Solidus – VICTORIA AVGGG B

Pseudo-Imperial Gold Solidus of Odovacar (Odoacer) and Zeno

Obv: 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 B / CONOB Victory standing front, head to left, holding long jeweled cross in her right hand; in field to right, star.

474 – 475 AD. · Rome/Ravenna Mint · For Type Depeyrot 108/1

4.5g · 20mm

Odoacer was a Germanic military leader who deposed the last Western Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus, in 476 CE and ruled Italy as king (rex Italiae) while acknowledging the nominal overlordship of the Eastern Roman Emperor. These coins, struck in Rome or Ravenna, continued the tradition of imperial imagery and inscriptions, underscoring Odoacer’s role as rex while maintaining the façade of allegiance to Constantinople.