Roman Empire

Constantius III, Western Roman Emperor AD 421

RIC 1325; Depeyrot 7/4, Extremely Fine

Ravenna. D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantius III right. Reverse: VICTORI-AA (sic) AVGGG, emperor standing facing, head right, holding vexillum and victory on globe, foot on bound captive; R-V//COMOB.

Ex Manhattan Sale I (Freeman & Sear, 5 January 2010), 456; Künker 153 (14 March 2009), 9011

After the fall of Stilicho, Honorius replaced the Vandal general with a Moesian commander named Constantius. As magister militum, Constantius was instrumental in crushing the usurper Constantine III and enjoyed military success against the Vandals and Visigoths. Honorius rewarded his deeds with consulships and the betrothal of Galla Placidia in AD 417. Constantius had previously secured her return from the Visigoths. At last, on February 8, AD 421, Honorius made Constantius his co-emperor in the West. Alas, as Emperor Constantius III, he ruled alongside Honorius for only seven months before he fell ill and died.