Anthemius (467-472). AV Solidus. Rome, 12 April AD 467 - 11 July AD 472. Obv. DN ANTHE-MIVS PF AVG. Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield. Rev. SALVS R-EIP-VBLICAE. Anthemius and Leo I, in military attire, standing facing, holding spears and supporting globus cruciger between them; ∗ in centre field, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 2816; Depeyrot 61/1; DOC 916; Lacam pl. CXVII, Class III, var. 2. AV. 4.27 g. 20.00 mm. RRR. Very rare and interesting issue. Heavy cleaning marks, ex jewellery. About VF/VF. After the death of Libius Severus, the western half of the Roman Empire was without an emperor for over a year. The power was wielded de facto by Ricimer, and Leo was either too busy or did not feel there was a need to nominate an emperor. Matters changed, however, probably as a result of a Vandal raid into Greece, and Leo designated Procopius Anthemius emperor of the western provinces to deal with the Vandal menace issuing from Africa under their king, Gaiseric. The expedition against Gaiseric was a total failure from the start due to the incompetence of the joint commander from the East, Leo's brother-in-law Basiliscus. With the failure to defeat the Vandals and anti-Greek feelings in Rome, Anthemius was not well liked and eventually Olybrius, with the aid of Ricimer, usurped power. Anthemius was killed by the barbarian soldier Gundobald as he attempted to flee Rome. (CNG 73,1029 note). The gold coinage of Anthemius reflects his origins by following the convention for frontal portraiture found on East Roman and later Byzantine coins. The reverse of this incredible Rome-mint gold solidus celebrates the supposed unity of East and West empires by showing Anthemius and Leo together supporting a long cross, on which rests, according to the legend, the 'Health of the Republic.' (Heritage 3033, 23100 note).