Justa Gratia Honoria, Western Roman Empire (AD 426-450(?)). AV tremissis (12mm, 1.04 gm, 12h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 2/5, edge filing, graffiti. Ravenna, ca. AD 430-445. D N IVST GRAT HONORIA P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped bust of Justa Gratia Honoria right, seen from front, cross on right shoulder, wearing necklace and earring, hair elaborately weaved with long plait up the back of head and tucked under diadem / Cross in wreath with small spiky leaves, terminating in large jewel, base ties inscribed XIIX, COMOB below. RIC X 2068. Depeyrot 47/10 (Rome). Nicely struck on matte flan. Excellent pedigree. Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA, Auction 8 (24 November 2014), lot 205; Biaggi Collection 2361; Copy from the Quelen collections, Adolph Hess Sale (14 April 1954), lot 400; Jameson 410; Montagu, Rollin-Feuardent Sale (13 April 1896), lot 1004; Rollin-Feuardent Sale (07 May 1888), lot 2031 Justa Gratia Honoria's career was nearly as colorful as that of her mother, Galla Placidia, though certainly not in a constructive sense. A typically hot-blooded Theodosian empress, Honoria grew restless in her brother's court and sought solace in indiscreet affairs with servants and courtiers. Placidia sought to curb Honoria's activities by marrying her off to an old, respectable senator. Honoria rebelled by sending her signet ring to a man she regarded as a more exciting suitor, Attila the Hun, who took it as a proposal for marriage, demanded half the Western Empire as a dowry, and launched a massive invasion of Gaul to claim his prize.

HID09801242017

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