Roman Bronze AE4 Of Zeno (AD 474–491) NGC

This NGC-certified bronze AE4 coin was struck during the reign of Emperor Zeno, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire in two distinct periods: first in AD 474–475, and then again from AD 476 to 491 after regaining the throne. Originally an Isaurian general named Tarasicodissa, Zeno married into the imperial family in 466 and soon became a central figure in court politics.

Zeno's reign was marked by extraordinary turbulence. He first ruled on behalf of his young son, Leo II, but was quickly overthrown and forced into exile. After a series of revolts, betrayals, and political machinations, he managed to reclaim power and held the throne for nearly two decades. His time as emperor was fraught with internal dissent, religious disputes—particularly surrounding Monophysitism—and challenges from ambitious generals and rival factions.

Despite these challenges, Zeno’s reign was historically significant. It was during his second rule in AD 476 that the Western Roman Empire formally fell, with the deposition of the last western emperor, Romulus Augustulus. Zeno refused to appoint a new emperor in the West, effectively ending Roman imperial succession there and confirming Constantinople as the sole center of imperial authority.

The AE4 denomination was a small bronze coin used in everyday commerce. Coins from Zeno’s reign are valued for their connection to this critical transitional period in Roman history.

Encapsulated and certified by NGC, this bronze AE4 offers collectors a tangible piece of the final days of the united Roman world and the rise of the Byzantine era.