VISIGOTHS, Gaul. Theodoric II, 453-466. Tremissis (Gold, 14 mm, 1.47 g, 5 h), struck in the name of Libius Severus (461-465). Toulouse, 461-465. D N SEVERVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Libius Severus to right. Rev. VICTORI-A AVGGG / COMOB Victory standing front, head to left, holding long voided cross in her right hand. MEC -. W. Reinhart: Die Münzen des tolosanischen Reiches der Westgoten, in: JNG 1 (1938), pp.107-135, Nr. 91. RIC 3757. Very rare and of great historical interest. Minor marks and slightly wavy, otherwise, very fine.



This coin was issued in Toulouse, the capital of the short-lived Visigothic Kingdom in the Roman province of Gallia Aquitania in southwest Gaul, during the reign of Theodoric II, grandson of Wallia, the founder of the Regnum Tolosae. Like his father and grandfather before him, Theodoric II was engaged in conflicts with Rome over the province of Septimania, which Emperor Majorian sought to reclaim for Rome. This situation changed dramatically in 461 with an alliance between Theodoric II and Libius Severus, facilitated by Ricimer, the powerful kingmaker and magister militum behind the emperor. This coin symbolizes the newly formed alliance, which proved beneficial to both sides. By issuing coins in the name of Libius Severus, Theodoric II demonstrated his loyalty to the emperor in Rome. He assisted Rome in defeating the troublesome Germanic tribe of the Suebi and received the city of Narbonne as a reward for his support. However, this gift likely triggered the Gallic revolt led by Aegidius. Despite this, the Gallic insurgents, like the Suebi, could not withstand the combined forces of Rome and the Visigoths. The alliance ended with the death of Libius Severus, presumably from natural causes, on 14 November 465. Theodoric II was murdered a year later by his younger brother Euric, who then ascended the throne.