★ Justa Grata Honoria ★

JUSTA GRATA HONORIA (Augusta, 426-450). GOLD Tremissis. Rome or Ravenna.

Obv: D N IVST GRAT HONORIA P F AVG.
Diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace.
Rev: COMOB.
Cross within wreath with central jewel above.

RIC 2068; Depeyrot 47/10.

Very rare.

Justa Grata Honoria was the first daughter of Galla Placidia and Flavius Constantius, elder sister of Valentinian III, and was given the title of Augusta probably in 426. In 449, with her husband Eugenius, she attempted to overthrow her brother but the plot was unraveled and Eugenius was put to death. Honoria then offered herself in marriage to Attila. The king of the Huns accepted the marriage proposal and demanded half of the Western Empire as dowry, but Valentinian refused, although Theodosius II was in favor. Honoria had her life saved through the intercession of Galla Placidia, but she was forced to go into exile and marry the senator Bassus Herculanus. Her portrait is known only through the very rare gold coins (Aurei and Tremissis) minted in Ravenna

Condition: Extremely fine.

Weight: 1.42 g.
Diameter: 14 mm.