Avitus (AD 455-456). Ae Nummus. Very Rare.

Avitus (AD 455-456). Nummus. Rome. Ae 11 mm. 1.3 gm. Obv: D N AVITVS P F AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: VICTORIA AVGG / RM. Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond; S to left. RIC 2413. Very Rare.  Avitus was appointed magister utriusque militiae (“master of both services”) by the emperor Petronius Maximus (reigned 455). When Petronius Maximus was killed, the Goths proclaimed Avitus emperor at Toulouse, a claim which was upheld by the Gallo-Romans at Arles (July 9, 455). Avitus proceeded to Rome, but general Ricimer defeated Avitus at Placentia (modern Piacenza), forcing him to abdicate on October 18, 456, after which he became bishop of Placentia.