Johannes AD 423-425. Rome
Nummus Æ

11 mm, 1,29 g

Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Victory advancing left, holding trophy over shoulder and dragging captive; staurogram to left.

Fine

RIC 1916.

Johannes, a Roman usurper, ruled as Western Emperor from 423 to 425, distinguishing himself with a full beard on his coinage, unlike his contemporaries. Following Emperor Honorius' sudden death in August 423, the Western Roman Empire endured three months without a ruler. Johannes, a notary official, was acclaimed emperor in Rome on November 20, 423. Despite efforts to gain recognition from the Eastern Emperor Theodosius II, Johannes faced opposition, notably from Bonifatius in Africa and the Eastern court. Theodosius II eventually backed Valentinian III, Honorius' nephew, leading to Johannes' downfall. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to quash opposition, Johannes was betrayed, captured, and executed in May 425. His son, Jordanes, reportedly spared, grew up in Constantinople. Johannes' brief reign, though praised for moderation, was marred by political turmoil and military challenges.