| Classical Numismatic Group > Auction 126 | Auction date: 28 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 934 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Justa Grata Honoria. Augusta, circa AD 426-450. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.41 g, 12h). Ravenna mint. Struck AD 439. Pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross; star to upper left; R|V//COMOB. RIC X 2022; Ranieri 87-89; Depeyrot 15/1; Biaggi 2360. Some underlying luster, doubling, a few tiny metal flaws, minor marks. EF. From the Family of Constantine Collection, assembled with guidance by Roland Michel, Geneva. Ex Tkalec (19 February 2001), lot 433. Honoria was sister to the emperor Valentinian III. She was to be married to a Roman Senator named Bassus Herculanus, but she had no interest in this union and sought aid from the already infamous Hun, Atilla. In the Spring of 450, she sent him her ring and a plea for help. Whether Honoria intended this to be an invitation to wed is uncertain, but Atilla took it as such and accepted, asking for half the Western Empire as his dowry. In 452 he unsuccessfully invaded northern Italy after negotiations with Rome failed. Little is known of Honoria's fate from this point on other than a brief exile and possible time in a Constantinople convent. Estimate: 5000 USD |  |
