Augustus, A.D. 474-475 & 476-491
(Bronze) AE4
Thessalonica mint, A.D. 476-491 (second reign)
Obv: D N ZE-NO AVG or variant
Rev: Monogram #1 within wreath
THS in exergue
RIC 958
10mm, 1.3g
The last Roman emperor, Zeno rose to power through treachery and marriage, assuming the title of co-emperor with his son, Leo II, upon the death of Leo I, his father-in-law. His first major act was to stand by as the Western Empire collapsed, refusing to pay more than lip service to Julius Nepos' claims to the western throne. He was so unpopular during his time that it is difficult to assess the quality of his reign. He was certainly more tolerant than his predecessor, but probably not much more effective.
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