PSEUDO-IMPERIAL COINAGE
Odovacar, 476-493
In the name of Zeno, 474-491 . Solidus, Ravenna 476-493, AV 4.42 g. DN ZENO – PERP F AVC Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, three-quarters r., holding spear and decorated shield with horseman and fallen enemy motif, Rev. VICTORI – A AVCCC Victory standing l., holding long jewelled cross; in r. field, star, and in exergue, CONOBRV. BMC Vandals 2. Kraus 5. Lacam pl. 51, 27. RIC 3634.
Very rare. Virtually as struck and almost Fdc
Ex M. Dürr - R. Michel sale 8 November 1999, Lacam, 234.
The mint of Ravenna used the oriental mintmark CONOB but with the extension of RV. Under Odovacar Ravenna became more important than the other cities because he chose it as his capital. Nevertheless, all the solidi of Ravenna had a crude style compared with the others’ coins.
Solidi produced in Ravenna are characterised on the obverse by a portrait with pronounced eyes and the letter R supported by two vertical bars. Furthermore, the Victory on the reverse presents a different hairstyle.