ROMAN EMPIRE - NOVEL John (423-425). Solidus ND, Ravenna. Av D N IOHAN - NES P F AVG. Bust diademed, draped and cuirassed right, three-quarter face. Rv. VICTORI - A AVGGG / R - V / COMOB. The Emperor standing right, holding a victoriola in his left hand and a long cross in his right hand, his left foot resting on a captive on the ground. RIC.1901; Gold - 4.48 g - 20.5 mm - 6 h From a Hess-Divo 332 sale, 2017, No. 126 then NAC 106, 2018, No. 1104 and NAC 138, 2023, No. 874. NGC Ch XF 4/5 2/5 edge bend (8583609-007). With a nice bust of this elusive usurper, with the strike centred to the right. There is regular wear to the reliefs, and an even golden patina. Superb. On the death of Honorius, Flavius Ioannes, primicerius (First Secretary at the Court of Ravenna), proclaimed himself Augustus. Theodosius II refused to recognise him and sent an armed expedition, while Boniface, Count of Africa, blocked Rome's wheat supplies. John tried to enlist Hun mercenaries, but they arrived too late. Theodosius' army took Aquileia, where Galla Placidia and Valentinian (III) settled, then Ravenna in May 425. The usurper was brought back to Aquileia, condemned to death and paraded in the circus. His right hand was first cut off, then he was tied to a donkey before finally being beheaded. * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot. * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot.