Honorius Roman AE (AD 393-423) NGC

Own a certified Roman bronze AE of Honorius (AD 393–423), authenticated and slabbed by NGC. This coin marks the long, troubled reign of an emperor who witnessed the first major cracks in the Western Roman Empire’s foundations.

Honorius was the younger son of Theodosius the Great, the last ruler to govern both the Eastern and Western halves of the Roman Empire. Upon Theodosius’ death in 395 AD, the empire was permanently divided, with Honorius taking the West and his brother Arcadius ruling the East.

Still a child when he became emperor, Honorius relied heavily on his principal general, Stilicho, who served first as his guardian and later as his father-in-law. Stilicho defended the empire with skill and tenacity, especially against barbarian invasions, but after his assassination in 408 AD, the Western Empire entered a period of rapid decline.

Honorius’ reign is most remembered for the Sack of Rome in 410 AD by the Visigoths under Alaric — a shattering event that symbolized the waning power of the once-mighty Roman state. Although Honorius survived politically, the Western Empire continued to fragment under his rule.

Bronze AE coins of Honorius typically feature his youthful, diademed bust on the obverse, with reverses promoting imperial strength, military victories, or divine favor — themes that contrasted sharply with the grim realities facing the empire.

Certified by NGC, this AE coin offers collectors a tangible link to the beginning of the end for the Western Roman Empire.