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                              Romulus Augustus

Romulus Augustus was the young son of Orestes, the Master of Soldiers
for Emperor Julius Nepos. In 475 AD, Orestes and his mostly Germanic
troops sucessfully rebelled, but for some unknown reason Romulus was
installed as the new emperor. Only ten months later, Odovacar, a Hunnic
mercenary,was proclaimed king by the troops in north Italy. Odovacar killed
Orestes and deposed the young ruler, who was allowed to retire to a
Campanian villa. Thus ended the Roman empire as it began some 500 years
earlier, with an emperor named Augustus.

Romulus Augustus. October 475 - September 476 AD. AV Solidus (4.42 gm).
Rome mint. D N ROMVLVS AVGVSTVS P F AVG, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed
three-quarter facing bust, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated
with horseman spearing a fallen enemy / VICTORI-A AVGGG:, Victory standing
left holding long jeweled cross in right hand; R-M (M cut over a
star)/COMOB. RIC X 3406 (this coin referenced); DOCLR -; Depeyrot -; Lacam
-. VF. Extremely Rare.

Ex Nordheim Collection (Glendining, 3 December 1929), lot 629.

From Triton III (CNG/Freeman&Sear/NAC, 30 November-1 December 1999), lot
1283, estimated at $10,000.

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