Honorius, 393-423. Tremissis (Gold, 12 mm, 1.46 g, 5 h), Ravenna, 408-423. D N HONORIVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Honorius to right. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM / R - V / COMOB Victory advancing right, head to left, holding wreath in her right hand and globus cruciger in her left. Depeyrot 11/1. RIC 1340. Lightly toned and with an excellent pedigree. Minor graffiti and with light areas of weakness, otherwise, very fine.




Although it is commonly referred to as the 'Franz Trau Collection', this renowned assemblage is actually the work of three generations. It began with Carl Trau (1811-1887), the founder of the Trau trading and collecting dynasty. Carl made his fortune in the tea trade, importing tea initially from London and later directly from China. This venture sparked his interest in Oriental and Japanese art, but he also collected medieval art, early manuscripts, and prints. His numismatic passion was focused on coins from Carinthia, his wife’s homeland, and he was a founding member of Austria's Numismatic Society, established in 1870.

Under Franz Trau Sr. (1842-1905), both the family business and the art collection expanded significantly. Unlike his father, who was fascinated by the Middle Ages, Franz focused more on antiquities. He was deeply engaged in numismatics, meeting regularly with fellow enthusiasts who adopted pseudonyms reflecting their collecting interests - Theodor Rohde became Aurelius, while Franz took the name Carus. Meanwhile, the family business thrived, with Franz elevating it to the status of the leading tea merchant in the Habsburg Empire.

Franz Trau Jr. (1881-1931), the dynasty's last active collector, brought the collection to its final form. His focus spanned Oriental art - including the remarkable acquisition of Prince Henry of Bourbon's 18,000-piece collection - and an exceptional assembly of Roman coins. After his death, this coin collection was auctioned by Gilhofer & Ranschburg and Hess in 1935, becoming one of the most important sales of Roman coins in the first half of the 20th century. The Trau collection is distinguished by its breadth and quality, showcasing coins in superb condition while also including numerous great rarities, even when these are not perfectly preserved. This dual focus reflects the shared dedication of all three collectors, who sought not only aesthetic perfection but also scholarly depth. Their passion for numismatics extended beyond assembling flawless pieces to creating a collection of historical and scientific significance, demonstrating a profound engagement with the study and context of the coins.