The rarest Roman imperial helmet

Helmet of the Julius Mansuetus

The rarest Roman imperial helmet
The name of the owner, Julius Mansuetus, is carved on the back of the helmet, and there is also a carrying handle. On the back, a pair of mice and a pair of loaves of real Roman bread for real Romans (C) are symmetrically depicted.
Sold at auction for $1,250,000.
According to the previous owner, the helmet was found somewhere in the Balkans.
The helmet is in a private collection.
Materials: iron, copper alloy.
Height: 25.5 cm.

Imperial Gallic Helmet

The rarest Roman imperial helmet is often considered to be the "Imperial Gallic type helmet" (sometimes referred to as the "Imperial Gallic Helmet" or "Gallo-Roman" helmet), but more specifically, the **"Weisenau Type" helmet** (or *Weisenau Helm*) is among the rarest and most iconic examples.
This helmet, discovered in 1912 near Weisenau, Germany, is considered one of the finest and most unusual pieces of Roman military equipment. It dates from the 3rd century AD, during the Crisis of the Third Century, a period marked by political instability and external threats. The helmet’s design is distinctive, featuring a unique combination of a crested ridge and a highly decorative cheek guard, and it was likely worn by high-ranking officers or commanders.

Weisenau helmet

While not the only rare Roman helmet, the "Weisenau helmet" is famous for its exceptional preservation and ornate features, and examples of this type are extremely scarce. Many Roman helmets from the period were either lost in battle or over time due to the materials used (iron or bronze) and the harsh environments they endured. Thus, any helmets from this period that remain in near-complete condition are considered very rare and valuable to historians.

Pompeii type helmet

Other rare Roman helmets, like the "Pompeii type" helmet (typically worn by gladiators or lower-ranking soldiers) and the "Corinthian-type helmets", also exist, but they are more commonly found in archaeological digs. However, few are as rare or as unique in design as those from the 3rd century, like the Weisenau or certain ceremonial helmets, which were often crafted for high-ranking officials or special occasions.