NumisLens › Roman Emperors › Libius Severus

Libius Severus

Imperator Caesar Libius Severus Augustus

Reign 461 AD – 465 AD
Dynasty Last Western Emperors
Born unknown
Died 465 AD

Libius Severus was a Lucanian aristocrat installed as a puppet emperor by the generalissimo Ricimer after he had Majorian executed. Severus was never recognised by Leo I in the East and exercised no real power. He reigned for four years, dying in 465, probably poisoned by Ricimer, who had found even this convenient figurehead inconvenient.

Libius Severus is the archetypal 'shadow emperor' of the final western period: a name on coins and documents while real power resided with Ricimer. His coinage's rarity accurately reflects his historical marginality.

Key Events

461 AD Proclaimed emperor by Ricimer; never recognised by the East under Leo I
461–465 AD Exercised no real power; Ricimer governed effectively in his name
465 AD Died, probably poisoned by Ricimer, who wished to install an eastern-recognised candidate

Coinage

The coinage of Libius Severus is very rare. Struck at Rome and Ravenna during a reign in which Ricimer wielded actual power, the issues follow the late western formula. His portrait is conventional. Milan and Ravenna appear to have been the primary mint locations.

Denominations

Solidus Siliqua

Notable Types

  • VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM types
  • Rare solidus portrait types from Ravenna

Common Reverses

VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM Monogram

Active Mints

Rome Ravenna Milan

Related Resources

Imperial Lineage
View Last Western Emperors family tree
›

Further Reading

  • Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume X, J.P.C. Kent
  • Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume V, David R. Sear
← Predecessor Majorian Successor → Anthemius