Glycerius
Imperator Caesar Glycerius Augustus
Glycerius was commander of the domestici (palace guard) in Ravenna when the Burgundian general Gundobad proclaimed him emperor in March 473. He was never recognised by Leo I in Constantinople. He successfully repelled a Visigothic invasion of Italy, his only significant military achievement. Leo sent Julius Nepos from Dalmatia with eastern recognition; Glycerius submitted without a battle, was deposed, and was made bishop of Salona in Dalmatia.
Glycerius is one of the more obscure of the last western emperors. His peaceful deposition, becoming a bishop rather than being executed, is unusual and may reflect the changing nature of power transfer in the final western period.
Key Events
Coinage
The coinage of Glycerius is very rare. His brief reign and restricted Italian power base produced only a small number of solidi and siliquae. Monogram reverse types and the standard late western Victoria types are the primary issues.
Denominations
Notable Types
- Monogram reverse types
- VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM types
Common Reverses
Active Mints
Related Resources
Further Reading
- Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume X,
- Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume V,