Anyone that knows me well knows that I have an obsession with 5th century Roman coins, especially the tiny bronze nummi :smile So here is the latest in my collection of super late Romans. This example is in slightly better condition than most. Valentinian III, Western Emperor (reigned 425-455 AD), AE4 Obv: DN VALENTINIANVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped bust right Rev: VOT-PVB, campgate with two turrets, epsilon, P, or Q above, RM in ex, Rome mint (struck 425-435 AD) RIC X 2424, rated Rare (seller's photo) Basically he was one of the worst people you could think of to manage the Western Empire while it was struggling to stay in existence. During his reign, most of North Africa, and most of Gaul and Spain were lost to the invading tribes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentinian_III http://www.roman-emperors.org/valeniii.htm
The reverse on your newer coin is quite a bit sharper than the one shown on your original (nice upgrade) :high5:
Ok so I got the coin today, and, in the photo, it seemed like there was VOT on the right side of the reverse, where PVB would be. I figured it was PVB but with the letters damaged or badly struck/engraved, but now that I have it in hand, the full legend definitely looks to be VOT VOT. Never seen a Val III with this kind of legend. Internet search has come up with nothing. I doubt it is barbaric; legends usually aren't readable and on this one it is, and as bad as the artistic quality was for Roman bronzes of this era, the style looks good enough to me to be an official Rome mint issue. The seller's photo is very accurate to what it looks in hand, but I'll try to post my own later.
Talked to a dealer/buddy of mine who said the second VOT is really just a misshapen PVB: V is the loop of the P, O is a messed-up V, and the T is the top part and left line in B. Was hoping it was an unknown variety . Still, I very much enjoy this little coin!
