Julius Nepos
Imperator Caesar Julius Nepos Augustus
Julius Nepos was governor of Dalmatia and the Eastern court's preferred candidate for the western throne. He deposed Glycerius in 474 and was the last emperor recognised by Constantinople as the legitimate ruler of the West. His reign was cut short when his general Orestes revolted and drove him back to Dalmatia in 475, where he continued to claim the title until his assassination in 480. Some historians regard him rather than Romulus Augustulus (who replaced him) as the true last Western emperor.
The question of whether Julius Nepos or Romulus Augustulus was the 'last' Western emperor is not merely academic; it determines whether we date the end of the Western empire to 475, 476, or 480. The Eastern court continued to recognise Nepos until his death. His coins are thus the last issues of a man with legitimate claims to the western title.
Key Events
Coinage
The coinage of Julius Nepos is rare but somewhat more available than the most extreme western rarities, as he controlled Italy for over a year and Dalmatia for a further five. His solidi and siliquae are the main surviving types. The monogram reverse appears on some issues. His portrait shows a conventionally diademed, draped bust.
Denominations
Notable Types
- VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM solidus types
- Monogram reverse issues
- Dalmatian issues during exile
Common Reverses
Active Mints
Related Resources
Further Reading
- Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume X,
- Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume V,