Odovacar (?), king, 476-493. Solidus (Gold, 19 mm, 4.39 g, 6 h), struck in the name of Zeno (476-491), possibly Rome. D N ZENO PER P F AVG Helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust of Zeno facing, his head turned slightly to right, holding spear over his shoulder in his right hand and with a shield, decorated with a horseman spearing fallen foe, on his left shoulder. Rev. VICTORI-A AVGGG A / CONOB Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross; in field to right, star. Classical Numismatic Group E-Auction 332 (2014), 391 = Lanz 162 (2016), 453 (same dies, but misdescribed as an official issue). Roma XXVII (2023), 812 (same dies). RIC -. Very rare. Somewhat rough and with a few minor scuffs, otherwise, about extremely fine.


This interesting issue is either an official issue of Odovacar from Rome or a different, western imitation of an solidus of Zeno.