Ancient Coins

Severus III (461-465), Libius Severus (461-465) and Ricimer, Æ 9, c. 462, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, rev. monogram of Ricimer, 0.74g/7h (RIC 2715; Morello p.63, 1.1). Fine to very fine, very rare (£200-300)

The Suebian Ricimer, Magister Militum 455-472, was the real power behind the imperial throne in the West. In 461 he deposed Majorian and replaced him with the more docile Libius Severus, but had to face the disapproval of Leo I in the East. Upon Libius Severus' death in 465, said to be due to poisoning by Ricimer, this emperor-maker ruled the West for eighteen months