Coinage of the Ostrogoths in the British...

Coinage of the Ostrogoths in the British Museum

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Coinage of the Ostrogoths in the British Museum Elena Baldi

A guide to types/all coins britishmuseum.org/ostrogoths


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Coinage of Julius Nepos, Zeno, Odovacar

and Theoderic I

Mint of Rome

Gold

Solidus

The solidi minted in this period are characterized by the obverse image of the

emperor, with the helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust of Zeno facing in a

three-quarters position, with a spear and shield as well as the inscription with his

name, always with legend break: P-ERP. On the reverse a personification of

Victory is standing to the left, holding a long cross, with the inscription VICTORIA

AVCCC and the mint mark COMOB or also •COMOB•. The various combinations

of obverse inscription and mint marks on the reverse of the coins denote the

variants recorded by Kent.

1. RIC X, 3205

BM ID: 1863,0711.13

This type is characterized by the division of the inscription on the obverse in P-

ERP and on the reverse the legend has a colon placed at the end of it. According

to Kent, this is a characteristic of the emissions of Julius Nepos. The style of the

coin is also quite similar to the Roman emissions of Zeno-Odovacar catalogued as

RIC X 3651 that also have a colon-like mark : at the end of the reverse legend.

2. RIC X, 3651

BM ID: 1849,1121.685

Like the emission registered in the name of Julius Nepos (3205), this type is

characterized by the obverse divided legend, P -ERP and the colon placed at the

end of the reverse legend. The style of this coin is however rather crude and the

star in the right field of the reverse has several points and almost looks double -

struck; the lettering and image are not as competently engraved as emission RIC X

3205. There is also a clear separation in the word VICTOR-I-A, broken by the arm

of the cross.

3. RIC X, 3653

BM ID: R.357

Maintaining the P-ERP subdivision in the obverse legend, this type is characterized

by the mint initial R following the reverse legend. In this case there is an additional

separation in the reverse legend between R and I that is caused by the arm of the

cross held by the Victory.

4. RIC X, 3656

BM ID: 1983,0703.3

This type is characterized by the combination of the mint mark Γ• at the end of the

reverse legend and •COMOB• in the exergue. Another feature in this coin, visible in

the reverse legend, is the separation of the letters R and I in VICTORIA, caused by

the insertion of the arm of the cross, which, according to Kent, appears to become

more decisively visible with this particular issue (although recorded previously).


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Tremissis

The tremisses are characterized by a profile portrait of the draped Emperor Zeno

with cuirass and paludamentum as well as the legend of Zeno with break: P-ERP,

as on the solidi. The emissions of Julius Nepos often bear the obverse legend D N

ZENO PERP AVC both unbroken and broken into P-ERP and the COMOB

exergue mark. In contrast, the issues of Zeno-Odovacar have the title inscription

that is always divided into P-ERP and the exergue mark is either COMOB or

•COMOB•. The wreath on the reverse has two ties at the lower end, which are only

found on coins from the mint of Rome.

5. RIC X, 3210

BM ID: 1863,0711.72; R.360; B.12659

Three coins are included amongst the emissions of Julius Nepos that bear a

broken legend on the obverse, P-ERP, whilst on the reverse there is a cross

located within a wreath; the exergue legend is COMOB. The wreath is tied at the

bottom by a rope, which looks like a wide and horizontally elongated letter X. This

type differs from the contemporary Zeno emissions that show a personification of

Victory advancing, holding a wreath and globus cruciger.1

Coins 1863,0711.72 and R360 share the same die on both sides; it is likely,

however, that the latter coin is either more worn that the former or was struck at a

later time since the letters are less sharp and some details, such as the hair, the

diadem and the wreath, are not as well defined as with the previous specimen.

6. RIC X, 3662

BM ID: R.358; R.359

These two coins have an obverse legend that is broken into P-ERP, as well as the

reverse •COMOB•. On the obverse these two specimens show a more elongated

bust when compared to the emissions of Julius Nepos. In these instances, t he

wreath is also tied at the bottom by a feature in the form of a wide and horizontally

elongated letter X.

Silver

Half siliqua

7. RIC X, 3664

BM ID: 1984,0525.1

This is the only silver coin that Metlich accepts as minted under the authority of

Odovacar. Kent records that this type had been wrongly attributed to the mint of

Milan and ascribes it to Rome because of the divided P-ERP legend on the

obverse. The Christogram on the reverse within a wreath is also believed to be the

continuation of the Chi -Rho monogram. The exergue bears the mint mark •CM•,

unusual for Rome, but the dots at either side could link the production to this mint,

even though a similar feature appears on silver of Milan minted in the name of

Anastasius (RIC X, 217). In addition, Metlich found a die link between the half

siliqua and a tremissis of the Turin collection that would support a Roman

production.

1 A cross topped orb (Latin: globus), a symbol of authority.


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This mint mark was given a few interpretations: Caput Mundi (Grierson and Mays

1992, 186), an abbreviation for COMOB for specific use on silver coinage (RIC X,

217); or a mark of value (240 nummi – c=sigma=200; M=mu=40) (RIC X, 218), but

no full agreement on his meaning has been reached as of yet.

Copper alloy

40 nummi

The general features of the 40 nummi emissions minted in the name of Zeno show

a laureate head of the emperor on the obverse with two different inscriptions,

which are IM(N)P ZENO FELICISSIMO SEN AVG and IMP ZENO SEMPER AVC,

with or without IIII beneath the truncation of the bust (we do not know whether this

is a mint mark or not). On the reverse there is a personification of Victory

advancing whilst standing on prow, holding a trophy and wreath between the two

letters S C, as well as the mark of value XL placed in the exergue. The reverse

bears two different inscriptions: GLORIA ROMANORO or IMVICTA ROMA.

8. RIC X, 3665

BM ID: 1969,0517.1

This type is characterized, on the obverse, by the combination of the inscription

IM(N)P ZENO FELICISSIMO SEN AVG, running outwards counterclockwise, and

•IIII• below the bust. The reverse bears the legend GLORIA ROMANORO, with S C

on either side of the central Victory and in the exergue •XL•.

9. RIC X, 3666 var.

BM ID: B.11454; B.11494; 1860,0326.164; 1860,0326.163

This type shows on the obverse the legend, running outwards counterclockwise

with additional title FILICISSIMO and • IIII• below the bust. On the reverse the

inscription changes to IMVICTA ROMA with S C on either sides of Victory that no

longer stands on the prow; in the exergue there is the legend •XL•.

10. RIC X, 3667

BM ID: B.11495; 1951,1115.2830

This type shows a change in the obverse inscription, which becomes IMP ZENO

SEMPER AVC, and the absence of the • IIII• below the bust; there is also a change

in style, seen especially in the now broader head. On the reverse the inscription

IMVICTA ROMA with S C on either side of Victory and •XL• in the exergue. This

type is considered rare by Grierson; however, the British Museum owns two coins

of this kind, purchased in 1951 and 1969.

Mint of Milan

Gold

Solidus

According to Kent, the solidi were produced in Milan only for Zeno-Odovacar or

there is no clear evidence that allows us to discern between Julius Nepos and

Zeno. The obverse of the coins maintains the frontal image of Zeno, helmeted,

diademed and cuirassed with spear and shield, with the inscription of his name

generally not separated. On the reverse, Victory is standing to the left, holding a

long cross with the inscription VICTORIA AVCCC, the mint mark M D (for

Mediolanum) that identifies the mint of Milan and COMOB in the exergue.


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11. RIC X, 3601

BM ID: 1860,0329.242

This type is characterized by the M D mint mark as well as a star located below the

letter M on the left field, a feature that differs from the emissions of Rome, which

have the star on the right. In addition, the legend on the reverse is separated only

in the VICTORI-A, in the same way as the early emissions of Rome.

12. RIC X, 3602

BM ID: 1860,0329.241

This type also bears the mint mark M D of the mint of Milan, as well as a star

located under M in the left field, a letter A that was inserted between the long arm

of the cross and the lower part of Victory’s dress and a D in the right field.

Tremissis

The tremisses bear on the obverse the profile bust of Zeno, diademed, draped and

cuirassed. The titles used for the obverse of the coins vary and Kent notes that

they are also very irregular, almost like imitative issues. The reverse shows a cross

within a wreath that is made up of two branches with ten pairs of distinct leaves,

without a legend and only with the exergue mint mark, COMOB. The lower part of

the wreath is always flat, almost like an exergual line.

13. RIC X, 3608

BM ID: R.361

This type shows on the obverse a broken legend, P-ERP. On the reverse, the

wreath is well styled and is completed by a globe at the top; the lower part of the

wreath is tied in the form of three letters in the shape of an X.

14. RIC X, 3610

BM ID: 1860,0329.239; 1867,0101.1009

This type is characterized by the unbroken PERP in the legend, even though the P

in coin 1860,329.239 is more separate than that on 1867,0101.1009. On the

reverse the two branches are joined at the top by a globe; the wreath of

1860,329.239 is tied at the bottom in the form of three letters in the shape of an X,

while that of 1867,0101.1009 has only two.

15. RIC X, 3613

BM ID: R.362; R.363

These two coins share the same peculiar obverse legend with PEPR AVG, with a

final ligatured AV in coin R363. On the reverse, the branches of the wreath are

joined at the top by a globe and the bottom part is tied by one letter X in the case

of R362, and two in coin R363.

16. RIC X, 3614

BM ID: 1867,0101.1010; 1914,0705.1; B.12651; 1860,0329.238; G3.RIG.508

These five coins bear the same unbroken legend PERP as well as a ligatured AV.

On the reverse, the two parts of the wreath are joined at the top by a globe and

they are roughly styled, especially in the case of 1867,0101.1010. The mint mark in

the exergue reads COMOB and the lower part of the wreath is tied by two letters in

the shape of X.


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17. RIC X, 3614 var.

BM ID: 1864,1128.213; 1864,0408.13; 1864,0408.12

In this case, the legend on the obverse maintains an unbroken PERP as well as a

ligatured AV and, on the reverse, the mint mark is CONOB. The wreaths are joined

at the top by a globe and they are not well styled. The lower bar of the wreath in

1864,1128.213 and 1864,0408.12 is tied by three letters X placed one next to the

other. In the case of coin 1864,0408.13, the wreath only has two letters X, but the

specimen is also of poor style, with crude lines and inferior portrait.

Half siliqua

The mint of Milan also produced silver coinage, denominations of half siliquae that

Kent attributed to both Julius Nepos and Zeno. These emissions are characterized

by the diademed, draped and cuirassed profile bust of Zeno with the title PERP

that is also broken into P-ERP. On the reverse of the coins there are three different

types: Victory advancing to the le ft with a wreath and palm; a turreted figure

standing to the left, holding a spear and cornucopia (the only one with the mint

mark MD in the field); and an eagle with spread wings, standing to the right with a

cross above.

18. RIC X, 3615

BM ID: 1986,0421.2

This coin shows an undivided legend on the obverse with a ligatured AV and

Victory advancing to the left holding a wreath. The style of the issue is crude,

particularly on the obverse.

19. RIC X, 3617

BM ID: 1844,0425.2603

This specimen has on the obverse an undivided legend with a reversed letter Z;

the reverse bears the mint mark of Milan, indicated by the letters M D placed at

either side of the turreted figure.

20. RIC X, 3618

BM ID: B.2930; B.2931

Two coins belong to this variant that has an undivided legend on the obverse with

a ligatured AV and the reverse shows the mint mark of Milan, with the letters M D

placed at either side of the turreted figure. In coin B.2930, the reverse image is

styled quite differently from the other specimen and is rather crude.

21. RIC X, 3621

BM ID: B.2932; B.2933

The two coins have a broken P-ERP legend on the obverse, with a P above the

head of the king. On the reverse, the bird has its wings raised and stands on a

prow or branch that is fairly stylized; the cross over the eagle looks like a Latin

cross, with a longer lower arm.

22. RIC X, 3623

BM ID: 1906,1103.2; 1846,0910.184

The two coins show different legends on the obverse, since 1906,1103.2 is divided

as P-ERP whilst the legend on 1846,0910.184 is undivided; both show the

ligatured AV. One peculiar characteristic is the equal armed cross with the prow or

branch beneath the feet that is well defined in 1906,1103.2, whilst quite stylized in

1846,0910.184. The image of the eagle on this latter specimen is a much rougher

example, particularly in the depiction of the beak.


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Mint of Ravenna

Gold

Solidi

The solidi minted in Ravenna bear on the obverse the three-quarter facing portrait

of Zeno who is helmeted, diademed and cuirassed with spear and shield alongside

the inscription of his name. On the reverse Victory is standing to the left, holding a

long cross, and the inscription reads VICTORIA AVCCC. According to Kent, the

earlier emissions of the mint (that would provide a date of 477–9) have a colon

after the inscription, maintaining on the obverse the undi vided legend PERP. In the

later productions, the obverse inscription changes into PER F and then PERP F, a

feature that allows us to distinguish between Ravenna and Rome. Later issues

(according to RIC X) also have a letter added at the end of the reverse legend. In

one type the R V mint initials are placed within the field, in others they are at the

end of COMOB in the exergue.

23. RIC X, 3625

BM ID: 1904,0511.2

This coin is included in the type that was part of the early emissions of Zeno and

perhaps Odovacar, which bears on the obverse the undivided title PERP. On the

reverse : is placed at the end of the legend and COMOB in exergue.

24. RIC X, 3626

BM ID: B.11211

Maintaining the undivided title PERP on the obverse, the type has a colon at the

end of the reverse legend and the mint mark RV in the field, with the two letters

placed on either side of Victory; the letter V seems to take the place of the star that

is normally placed on the right side of the figure. The exergue displays COMOB.

25. RIC X, 3629

BM ID: 1904,0511.3

This coin is characterized by the obverse title PER F, the addition of the letter X (or

+) at the end of the reverse legend and COMOB in exergue.

26. RIC X, 3631

BM ID: 1860,0329.247

This type bears the features that correspond to the later emissions, with the

obverse legend PERP F as well as the final letter И with a line above and CONOB

in the exergue.

27. RIC X, 3632

BM ID: B.12663

The obverse legend in this type has PERP F; the reverse inscription ends with the

letter N and the mint mark in the exergue is CONOB.

28. RIC X, 3634

BM ID: R1874,0715.144; 1860,0329.246

In this type, the obverse inscription reads PERP F and the exergue mark has the

monogram of the mint of Ravenna (RV) added at the end, reading CONOB RV. In

both specimens the use of an unbarred letter A in VICTORIΛ is recorded and both

coins share the same reverse die.


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Tremissis

The tremisses minted in Ravenna have on the obverse the profile bust of Zeno,

diademed, draped and with the paludamentum alongside the legend PERP F. On

the reverse, there is a cross within a wreath with COMOB in the exergue.

According to Kent, earlier emissions show a well-designed wreath, whilst the later

ones do not display the same quality and bear the mint mark CONOB. The

branches of the wreath end in a circular feature that looks like a jewel, different

from those used in Milan emissions but similar to those from Rome.

29. RIC X, 3638

BM ID: 1864,0408.14

This type has on the obverse the legend with PERP F and on the reverse the mint

mark COMOB. As with the emissions of Rome, the lower part of the wreath is tied

by a rope in the shape of an elongated letter X.

30. RIC X, 3639

BM ID: B.12662

On this coin, the obverse legend has a reversed Z in ZENO and the mint mark

COMOB on the reverse. As with the emissions of Rome, the lower part of the

wreath is tied by a rope in the shape of an elongated letter X.

31. RIC X, 3640

BM ID: 1869,0709.61

This type is among those that Kent suggested to be of a later date and lower in

quality. The obverse legend remains as PERP F and the mint mark is badly written

with the final B looking like a D. As with the previous types, the lower part of the

wreath seems to be tied by a rope in the shape of an elongated letter X, but in this

case it is shorter than that of the previous two types.

32. RIC X, 3641

BM ID: 1863,0711.14; B.12661

Specimen B.12661 bears the letter epsilon in the obverse legend, which becomes

PЄRP F. In this type the legend on the obverse should end only in AV instead of

AVC. The lower part of the wreath is tied by a rope that is shaped as an elongated

letter X; in 1863,0711.14 the rope shows a central boss or globe.

33. RIC X, 3642

BM ID: B.12660

In this case, the legend on the obverse uses the letter epsilon in the word ZЄNO

and the mint mark on the reverse is rendered as COM. The two branches of the

wreath are tied at the bottom in the form of three letters X.

Silver

Half siliqua

The mint of Ravenna produced an issue bearing the name of Odovacar on the

obverse, with his monogram on the reverse. The silver issues of Ravenna in the

name of Zeno attributed to Odovacar show on the obverse the profile bust of Zeno

draped and cuirassed, with the legend PERP F and only rarely PERF. On the

reverse, the three types minted in Milan were also produced in Ravenna: a turreted

figure with sceptre and cornucopia, but with the mint mark RV; an eagle with

spread wings; and a rather crude depiction of Victory advancing with a wreath and

palm branch.


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34. RIC X, 3502

BM ID: 1882,0405.1

This half siliqua portrays on the obverse a bare headed bust without any regalia,

but with the barbarian fashion of longer hair and prominent moustache; the portrait

as well as the legend FL ODOVAC, identify the bust as the king himself. On the

reverse, the monogram of the king is within a wreath and the mint mark RV is

positioned underneath.

35. RIC X, 3644

BM ID: B.2946

The obverse of this type shows the title PERF and the legend that ends in AV, with

the use of the unbarred letter Λ.

36. RIC X, 3648

BM ID: B.12598

On this coin, the obverse legend has the reversed Z in ZENO and uses Λ instead

of A. On the reverse, the eagle is standing to the left on a prow or branch, but

unlike the type minted in Milan, the wings of the bird are spread in a different way

and no cross is recorded above the eagle.

37. RIC X, 3649 cf

BM ID: 1970,0512.1

This coin has a very irregular obverse legend with the use of И instead of N as well

as Є; the letter Z is also reversed. On the reverse, there is a rather crude facing

depiction of Victory walking to the left.

Copper alloy

1 nummus

It is likely that the mint of Ravenna also produced copper alloy coins in the last

years of Odovacar’s reign while he was besieged in the city. These are 1 nummus

denominations that bear on the obverse the profile bust to the right of Odovacar

with the legend ODOVAC and on the reverse the monogram of the king formed by

the letters A°D.

38. RIC X, 3502

BM ID: B.11496; B.11497

The two specimens that belong to the British Museum’s collection show on the

obverse the inscription that reads ODOVAC and on the reverse the letter A in the

monogram shows a horizontal bar. This is in contrast to similar examples in the

Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge which show a transversal bar.2 This difference

led Grierson to suggest that the British Museum coins were Cigoi’s fakes,3 a

hypothesis that was contested by Kent who claimed that ‘the falseness of the

2 The same type of bar can be found in one specimen from the excavations at San Severo, Classe

(Ravenna, Italy), w hilst another specimen from the nearby harbour area is even simpler as the letter A does not appear to have the bar, but part of the obverse legend (ODO) is visible. 3 Luigi Cigoi (Udine, 1811–75) w as a collector and forger. He w as in fact a tanner and had found out that the process in the treatment and dying of leather could be used for aging forged coins. This

practice remained undetected until 1869 w hen Cigoi himself tried to sell a w hole group of coins to Adolf Hess, an antiquarian w ho had the w hole group valued by numismatists w ho immediately uncovered the forgery (Grierson-Mays 2002, 297–8).


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specimen is not self-evident’.4 This argument dates to the last century and since

then more coins have appeared mainly through online markets and in the

archaeological record.5 Even though the type with a transversal line is the most

common,6 the evidence shows a more widespread typology than previously known,

therefore supporting Kent’s claim.

4 RIC X, 213 5 Ranieri 2006; Asolati 2012; Baldi 2013. 6 MEC 1, 28.


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Theoderic the Great Theoderic in the name of Zeno (490–1)

Mint of Rome (490–1)

Gold

Solidus, tremissis

39. Metlich 1 and 2

Theoderic’s emissions are known to have been produced in the name of three

emperors: Zeno, Anastasius I and Justin I. Only semisses and tremisses are

known for Zeno (Metlich 1 and 2), both with the effigy and name of Zeno on the

obverse; on the reverse the semissis bears a Christogram within a wreath and the

tremissis shows a floating Victory with a wreath and globus cruciger.

Metlich has only recently recognized the existence of the semissis type through

stylistic similarities to a known Zeno tremissis. This could imply that a related

production of solidi has yet to be identified. Not present in the British Museum’s

collection.

Silver

Quarter siliqua

40. Metlich 41 (Arslan –)

On this type the reverse shows a standing Victory holding globus cruciger and

wreath. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

Theoderic in his own name

Mint of Rome Gold

41. Metlich 3

Three solidi

BM ID: B.11479

This emission, equal to the weight of three solidi, is the so-called Senigallia

Medallion that bears on the obverse the frontal bust of Theoderic and the legend

REX THEODERICVS PIVS PRINCIS. On the reverse is the depiction of Victory,

holding a wreath and palm, with the inscription REX THEODERICVS VICTOR

GENTIVM. This is the only coin minted in the name of the king and it is likely that it

was an emission minted to celebrate the official recognition of the Ostrogothic rule

over Italy by Anastasius in 497 (only an electrotype of the original in the Museo

Nazionale, Rome, is present in the British Museum’s collection).


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Theoderic in the name of Anastasius (491–518)

Mint of Rome (491–518)

Gold

Solidus

Six different types of solidi are known, all sharing similar obverse characteristics:

the bust of the emperor is three-quarters facing, with a cuirass and helmet on

which a t refoil is depicted. The spear has a barbed top and the legend reads DN

ANASTASIVS PF AVC (instead of PP that was used for emissions from Milan).

The diadem ties are curved and the flap is decorated with a dot and wave pattern.

On the reverse is Victory with a long cross, standing to the left (in imitation of the

contemporary Byzantine emissions of Anastasius I) and the inscription VICTORIA

AVCCC with COMOB on the reverse exergue. Some slight differences in this

pattern characterize the various issues as set out below.

42. Metlich 4 (Arslan AV7)

BM ID: 1852,0630.8

This issue is characterized on the reverse by a standing Victory with a star on the

right and a Christogram (Chi-Rho monogram = ) at the end of the reverse

legend. Metlich assigned this emission to the earliest productions of Theoderic, a

theory that is also supported by Arslan who suggests that it was minted before

497.


In this issue the monogram of Theoderic is found at the end of the reverse legend,

however the mint monogram is absent. Not present in the British Museum’s

collection.


BM ID: 1846,0204.2

This type shows the Greek letter Θ at the end of the legend and the monogram of

Rome (the letters R and M ligatured) on the left side of the field, whilst a star is

placed on the right. Both Metlich and Arslan suggest that the letter Θ represents

the Greek initial of Theoderic’s name. On the obverse, some depictions of

Anastasius’ hand show a small loop above the index finger, a feature that is

considered to be earlier than Metlich 7 and 8 in which this element is consistently

visible. These features, together with the addition of the letter Θ, would

demonstrate that the issue is transitional from one with a Greek initial to those with

the Latin monogram.

45. Metlich 7a (Arslan AV9)

BM ID: 1867,0101.1014; B.11436; 1904,0511.10

The main characteristic of this emission is the Latin monogram of Theoderic of a

slightly simplified type, placed at the end of the reverse legend; the monogram of

Rome is placed on the left side of the field (the letters R and M are ligatured) and a

star on the right side of the field.

The three coins in the British Museum’s collection show signs of wear, with the

emperor’s face disfigured. It is also possible to see some similarities in the details


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of the obverses of B.11436 and 1867,0101.1014, such as the shape of the diadem

ties and the form of the lettering suggesting the use of the same obverse die. It is

likely that 1867,0101.1014 was minted later since the lettering shows more sign of

wear.

46. Metlich 7b (Arslan AV9)

This type bears a different monogram of Theoderic from the previous type at the

end of the legend. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.


BM ID: 1864,1128.217; 1867,0101.1011; B.12285

On this type, the reverse does not bear the monogram of Rome, but has only the

star on the right as well as the letter A at the end of the legend in place of the

king’s monogram to indicate the officina.

This emission is considered to be the type minted after Theoderic’s recognition by

Anastasius in 497, a time at which any reference to the king himself (his Latin

monogram or Greek initial) was no longer necessary.

Semissis

There is only one recognized semissis emission of the Ostrogothic coinage. On the

obverse the profile bust of Anastasius I and the legend D N ANASTASIVS P F

AVC; on the reverse a depiction of Victory, surrounded by the inscription

VICTORIA AVCVSTORVN, is sitting and writing VOT PC on a shield.


This type has on the reverse a seated Victory with VOT/PC/* on a shield, held by a

putto and a star above the head. The mintmark reads COMOB. Not present in the

British Museum’s collection.

Tremissis

The known tremissis issues bear on the obverse the profile effigy of the emperor

with cuirass and paludamentum with the legend D N ANASTASIVS P F AVC. The

reverse shows a standing figure of Victory walking to the right with a palm branch

over her shoulder and a wreath in her right hand, alongside the legend VICTORIA

AVCVSTORVM, a star on the right and the exergue mark COMOB. This depiction

of Victory walking later changes to one standing in a frontal pose and floating on a

globe,7 holding in her hands a wreath and a globus cruciger. This would remain

almost unvaried from Theoderic's emissions to those of the other Ostrogothic

kings.

Although it had also been the standard reverse in Constantinople for a long time,

according to Arslan the image of Victory alluded to Theoderic’s conquest of Italy

and his attempts to dominate the other Germanic populations, such as the

Visigoths and Franks.8

7 Metlich 2004, 11ff. 8 Arslan 2004, 436.


14

49. Metlich 10a (Arslan –)

BM ID: 1867,0101.1013

Metlich places this emission among the early types of Theoderic’s reign because

Victory is walking to the right and not floating on a globe; another early feature

present on the obverse is the faint lines used to represent the bust drapery, unlike

later ones that are more carefully drawn and modelled. On the obverse of this

illustrated specimen the letters A are not clearly defined but lack their crossbars to

appear more like a Greek letter Λ.

50. Metlich 10b (Arslan –)

The reverse feature that characterizes this issue, in addition to Victory who is

walking to the right, is the star placed at the end of the legend. Not present in the



In this type the figure of Victory floats to the right on a globe and no mint marks are

present at the end of the reverse legend. Not present in the British Museum’s

collection.


BM ID: B.12288

This type is characterized by an obverse portrait that shows a more detailed

treatment of the bust drapery that had developed with curved rather than v-shaped

lines on the issues of the mint of Rome.9 The legend on this specimen is not very

clear with several small droplets of metal around each letter, perhaps indicative of

a much worn die or poor maintenance such as the failure to clean off the residue of

metal that can clog a die during use. On the reverse, Victory floats to the left above

a globe. The star on the right was erased at one point, which is still visible from

scratching on the surface. The style of the engraving is very similar to that of the

Roman emissions, although the exergue mint mark reads CONOB, a characteristic

of the mint in Milan (although not unknown in Rome since it is recorded for Metlich

11 as well as some 13a types).


On this issue Victory is floating on a globe, in a frontal pose and holding a wreath

and globe cruciger with a star on the left and right with an additional letter T at the

end of the legend (VICTORIA AVCVSTORVMT), which is considered an indication

of the initial of Theoderic’s name. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.


BM ID: 1867,0101.1012; B.12290; B.12291; B.12292

In this emission a star is placed on either side of the standing Victory who is

walking to the right but looking left over her shoulder. Developing from the previous

type, the legend loses the final letter T at the end.

The four coins in the British Museum’s collection are quite uniform, although the

reverse legend of B.12292 misses the final V of the word AVGVSTORVM and

bears the exergue COИOB. Even though this exergue is considered a feature of

the mint of Milan, the coin was added to the group of coins from Rome on the

9 Metlich 2004.


15

grounds of the latter part of the obverse legend, which reads PF (rather than PP),

as well as a closer stylistic affinity to the emissions of Rome over those of Milan.


BM ID: G3,RIG.519.a; 1937,1007.1

The two coins in this group display on the reverse a Victory with a style of drapery

that, according to Metlich, shows a similar treatment to that on the Senigallia

Medallion (Metlich 3). In the field, the star is on the right and the exergue COMOB

suggests that Rome is the most probable mint. Likewise, the style of the bust of the

emperor is stylistically similar to other Roman issues.

56. Metlich 14 var. or 24?

BM ID: B.12293

This coin appears to belong to a different group although the reverse is stylistically

similar to Metlich 14. On the obverse, the drapery is made of stiffer lines, while the

treatment of the hair is also different from other specimens of type Metlich 14. The

lettering on the legend has the third letter S reversed (Ƨ) and the inscription reads

PP instead of PF, a feature of the emissions of Milan. On the reverse there is one

star in the right field, a rather more puffed-up dress on the depiction of Victory and

the mint mark COMOB.

Therefore, it seems that the obverse of this coin could be from a Milanese die (as

in Metlich 24), although it does not have the cross above the head. However, the

reverse seems to have characteristics such as the puffy dress that are typical of a

Roman die. Consequently, the issue is placed with the emissions of Rome.

Silver

Half siliqua

The emission of half siliqua is characterized, on the obverse, by the profile effigy of

the emperor with cuirass, paludamenetum and diadem, alongside the legend D N

ANASTASIVS P P AVC (which is a feature of the emissions from Milan). On the

reverse, the Christogram is situated within a wreath, such as the tremisses minted

in the name of Zeno, with the mint mark COM or CONS. Metlich places this issue

with the mint of Rome because of the similarities in the bust. He also notices that

this emission was minted with an eastern (heavier) weight standard; this

characteristic, as well as the presence of the P P legend, according to Metlich

seems to indicate the intention to mint for an intended specific audience.

57. Metlich 42a (Arslan 3–4)

This issue is characterized by the mint mark COM in the exergue. Not present in

the British Museum’s collection.

58. Metlich 42b (Arslan 3–4)

BM ID: B.12295

The reverse of this coin bears a Christogram within a wreath and the exergue mark

CONS, which is typical of the eastern mints under Anastasius’ direct control, as

well as using a heavier eastern weight standard. Metlich places this emission with


16

the mint of Rome because of its style; however Arslan considers this to be a

Milanese emission.10

Both place the half siliqua emissions to the early period of Theoderic's reign since

the reverse type is quite similar to the productions of Anastasius I.

Copper alloy

As discussed in the general introduction, it is likely that Theoderic also issued

some ‘anonymous’ types that mention neither king nor emperor. Metlich classified

these emissions in his catalogue with numbers from 76 to 78. However, because of

the great deal of disagreement and uncertainty surrounding this matter, these

bronzes will be discussed separately and this chapter will include only the issues

that can be assigned to Theoderic with certainty.

Minimi

The copper alloy denominations produced by Theoderic are emissions of minimi to

the value of 2 nummi, which bear on the obverse the bust of Emperor Anastasius

with irregular legends and a monogram on the reverse. Arslan also records a

smaller emission, one nummus, but this is not taken into account by Metlich and

also not present in the British Museum’s collection.

59. Metlich 79 (Arslan AE22)

BM ID: 1945,0403.5; B.11588

This emission, considered a denomination of 3 nummi by Arslan,11

shows on the

reverse Theoderic’s ‘boxed’ monogram. Of the two specimens 1945,0403.5 is

extremely worn, making the reverse almost illegible.

60. Metlich 80a (Arslan AE19)

This type is characterized by a monogram with the letters T and R and a star to the

left. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

61. Metlich 80b (Arslan AE19)

BM ID: 1934,0903.25

In this issue, the monogram is created by the letters T and R, which Hah n

interpreted as Theodericus Rex;12

however, the meaning is not certain and whilst

Metlich suggests that this is a denomination of 2 nummi, Arslan even doubts that

this is an emission of Theoderic.

The style of the coin, mainly of the obverse, is very crude and almost like a copy.

Lacking the evidence of the star on the left side of the field, this specimen was

assigned to group 80b; however, it is likely that the coin was neither cleaned nor

conserved and it seems possible that there is a star between the two legs of the

letter R, which would place the coin with the previous type.

10 Arslan 2011, 371. 11 Ibid., 373 and bibliography. 12 MIB II, n. N73.


17

Mint of Ravenna (497–c. 498)

Gold

Solidus

The solidi produced by the mint of Ravenna maintains on the obverse the three -

quarter bust, cuirass and paludamentum, a trefoil on the helmet and the lancet-

shaped spearhead, alongside the legend D N ANASTASIVS P P AVC, which

would develop into P F. The reverse bears the image of the standing Victory with a

long cross, a star on the right and the legend VICTORIA AVCCC followed by

different mint marks and COMOB in the exergue.


On the reverse of this coin the monogram of Theoderic is positioned at the end of

the legend with a star on the right. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

63. Metlich 16 (Arslan AV 11)

BM ID: 1863,0711.17; 1904,0403.1

This type shows on the reverse a monogram of Theoderic that is slightly different

from the one of Metlich 15, as well as a star on the right and the monogram of

Ravenna on the left (ligatured letters R and V). The monogram is not present on

1904,0403.1. However, there is some obvious scratching that is most probably a

sign of an attempted removal of the monogram, an action executed prior to its

acquisition by the British Museum (previously noted by Wroth). Also worthy of note

in 1863,0711.17 is the exergue mark COMOB in which the letter M looks more like

an N. A very similar – if not of the same style – N is found on the obverse legend

suggesting that the same engraver worked on both dies.

Tremissis

The emission of tremisses shows on the obverse the profile effigy of Anastasius I

and the legend D N ANASTASIVS P F AVC. On the reverse Victory is depicted

floating on a globe, holding a wreath and a globus cruciger, alongside a star on the

right, the legend VICTORIA AVCVSTORVM and COMOB/ CONOB on the

exergue.


BM ID: B.12350

Originally Wroth placed this coin with the emissions of Baduila, but Metlich argues

that it belongs to those of Theoderic for stylistic reasons.

The similarities of the obverse with the specimens shown in Metlich’s work are

quite clear, but in this case the reverse appears different since the exergue legend

reads CONOD(B?) and the star on the right of the reverse field is not eight pointed

as is the case on all coins minted under the authority of Theoderic. Furthermore, it

strongly resembles those shown on Baduila’s coins. It is therefore suggested that

this could be an overstruck coin of Theoderic with a Baduila reverse.

Silver (493–518)

Half siliqua

The mint of Rome continued to be the main production site of gold coinage whilst

Ravenna, and initially Milan, were the mints that produced silver coinage; it is in


18

the productions from Ravenna that it is possible to find characteristics that can be

considered typical of Ostrogothic emissions. The striking feature of this coinage is

the image on the obverse that is no longer of the emperor, but that of the king

himself with ‘Ostrogothic’ appearance – moustache, long hair, robe and diadem –

although the legend maintains the name of Anastasius. In this case, the legend on

the obverse reads D N ANASTASIVS AVC and on the reverse is a six -pointed star

within a wreath that is possibly a continuation of the Christogram minted in Milan

and produced between 491 and 497.13

65. Metlich 43a (Arslan AR5)

BM ID: 1906,1103.53

On the obverse this type bears the letter ●R● below the bust, which is interpreted

as an indication of the mint of Ravenna.14

The average weight of this emission is

1.65g, which corresponds to the emissions of heavier standards from the earlier

stages of production. This coin can be included in the early weight emissions since

the specimen is only about 10% lighter than the average 1.52g.

66. Metlich 43b (Arslan AR5)

BM ID: 1867,0704.109; B.12296

This variant is similar to the previous, but on the obverse the letter R is omitted,

leaving only two dots ●● below the bust. Metlich also notes that the weight of the

emission lowers, settling around 1.45g, which is actually the same as that of

specimen B.12296, whilst the recorded weight of 1867,0704.109 is only slightly

lower with 1.42g.

Quarter siliqua

The quarter siliqua emissions shows on the obverse the profile bust of Anastasius

I, but with ‘Ostrogothic’ appearance and the legend D N ANASTASIVS P (P) AVC.

The reverse shows the monogram of Theoderic with a cross above and a star

below, surrounded by the inscription INVICTA ROMA.


Not present in the British Museum’s collection.


BM ID: 1951,1115.2814

The obverse of this emission shows the use of a ‘dotted’ bust, which seems to be

quite characteristic of the emissions of Ravenna. The top of the letter R belonging

to the symbol ●R● is visible below the bust, even though the rest was largely

removed by the clipping of the coin. The legend on this side starts from the left

shoulder of the bust and it is counterclockwise and ret rograde (not mentioned by

Metlich). On the reverse the monogram of Theoderic with a cross above and a

star below is placed within the inscription IИVICTA ROMA.

13 Arslan 2011, 372. 14 Arslan (2011) suggests that it could be an emission of Rome/Milan.


19

69. Metlich 45a (Arslan 9)

On the obverse of this type the symbol ●R● or R is placed below the bust. On the

reverse there is the monogram of Theoderic with a cross above, all situated within

a wreath. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

70. Metlich 45b (Arslan 9)

BM ID: B.12297

On the obverse of this type the most visible feature is the two dots ●● below the

bust of the emperor, a typology that follows the use of the ●R● mark. The reverse

bears the monogram of Theoderic within a wreath, marking a change from the

previous type, with the inscription.

71. Metlich 45c (Arslan 9)

BM ID: 1951,1115.2815; 1906,1103.325; 1844,0425.2550

These three specimens were included with this type (Metlich 45c) because of the

lack of mint marks under the bust on the obverse. However it remains unclear if the

three specimens lost the lettering because of clipping or i f the mint mark was

intentionally absent.

Mint of Milan (491–c. 501) Gold

Solidus

With all the solidi the effigy on the obverse is three-quarter facing, with a plain

spearhead and the legend D N ANASTASIVS, which ends in PP AVC instead of

PF; the hand of the emperor holding the spear is also decorated by a ribbon. On

the reverse Victory is standing with a long cross, with an eight-pointed star on the

right and the inscription VICTORIA AVCCC followed by a mint mark that

characterizes the different issues.


In this type the legend on the obverse bears the reversed letter Ƨ, as well as

ending with PRP AVC, while the legend of the reverse is followed by a

Christogram. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.


BM ID: 1860,0330.1021; 1908,0506.3

This type is characterized by the monogram of Milan, a ligatured IMD positioned

inwards, placed at the end of the reverse legend with a star placed on the reverse

field on the right. Of the two specimens in this group, the obverse legend in

1908,0506.3 shows an inconsistent representation of the letter A: the first one in

ANASTASIVS appears as Λ, the second A has a crossbar, whereas Λ is used

again for the AVC part. The reverses of both these two specimens are minted from

the same die; 1860,0330.1021 seems to have been struck later when the die had

become worn.

73a. Metlich

BM ID: B.10397

This specimen is similar to the issues of Milan, but lacks the monogram of the city

mint. The legend on either side uses the letter Λ instead of A. On the reverse,

there is a visible dot between Victory’s dress and the cross . The Greek letter ϴ that

indicates Theoderic is located at the end of the legend, a feature characteristic of

the mint of Rome (Metlich 6).


20


In this type the legend is followed by IMD inwards; the monogram of Milan is visible

on the left field and a star is on the right. Not present in the British Museum’s

collection.


This type is characterized by the letter I after the reverse legend, followed by the

monogram of Theoderic; in the left field there is the mint mark of Milan, a ligatured

MD, and a star on the right. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.


BM ID: 1922,0523.3

This type is recognizable by the addition of the letter I after the legend, also

followed by a monogram of Theoderic that is slightly different from that visible on

the previous type. In the left field there is the mint mark of Milan, a ligatured MD,

and a star on the right. As regards to the meaning of the letter I next to the

monogram, both Metlich and Arslan suggest that it could be indicative of the date

of this emission, the first year of Theoderic’s reign – 492/493.

Also on the obverse there is a small variant to the effigy seen in the previous type

– the absence of the ribbon on the hand that holds the spear. The legends also

sometimes display the letter Λ instead of A, as seen already in the coins of type

Metlich 20a.


This type is characterized, on the reverse, by the legend followed by I and the

monogram of Theoderic, the ligatured mint mark MD in the left field and the star on

the right. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.


This type is characterized by the legend followed by the symbol :, as well as a

ligatured mint mark MD on the left field and a star on the right . Not present in the



This type is characterized by the legend followed by the year of production. The

ligatured mint mark, MD, is placed on the left field and a star is on the right. Not

present in the British Museum’s collection.

Tremissis

The mint of Milan also produced several types of tremisses, all sharing the same

obverse – a profile bust with cuirass and paludamentum and a cross on the head

of the emperor, which later became incorporated on the diadem. The cross then

changes into a star and sometimes dots appear around one shoulder. The legend

on the obverse is often irregular, generally D N ANASTASIVS P AVC. The reverse

bears a depiction of Victory floating on a globe with the legend VICTORIA

AVCVSTORVN, often irregular, in a style that is very similar to the productions of

Anastasius.


21


BM ID: B.12298

This Milanese emission is characterized by a small cross placed above the head of

the emperor on the obverse effigy; according to Metlich this production is slightly

earlier than the other tremissis of the same mint in which the cross then becomes a

star.


In this emission the legend on the reverse is followed by the indication of the year.



The type is characterized by a simple legend and there is no star in the field. Not



BM ID: 1904,0604.73; B.12299; B.12300; B.12301

This type shows the profile bust of the emperor to the right with a star placed on

top of the diadem. Metlich mentions some occasional symbols on the shoulders of

this type, but this is not the case for the specimens in the British Museum’s

collection.

On the reverse, the star is placed to the right and the legend becomes more

erratic, e.g. AVCVSTORON or AVGVSTOROM. Three of the coins show CONOB

in the exergue, apart from B.12300 that instead displays COИOB.


In this issue the reverse bears a star to the left of the standing figure of Victory. Not



This type is characterized on the reverse by two stars, one on the left and the other

to the right of the standing depiction of Victory. Not present in the British Museum’s

collection.

Silver

Half siliqua

The silver emissions of Milan show on the obverse the profile bust of Anastasius

with cuirass, paludamentum and diadem alongside the legend D N ANASTASIVS

P AVC. The obverse bears an image of Victory walking to the right, holding a long

cross or rudder as well as a wreath, placed between the letters SC and surrounded

by the inscription INVICTA ROMA.


This type is characterized by a depiction of Victory walking to the right and holding

a long cross and wreath, placed between S C, and alongside the legend IMVICTA

ROMA. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

87. Metlich 46a var. (Arslan –)

BM ID: 1969,0517.2

An acquisition of 1969, this coin shows on the reverse a walking Victory positioned

between S C and the legend IMVICTA ROMA. However, it also shows features

that do not allow us to place it with group Metlich 46a, since the S in the field is


22

reversed and the figure of Victory holds a long rudder and not a cross; there is also

evidence of a possible mint mark in exergue –three dots, ●●●, placed between two

lines. This interesting specimen is possibly transitional between Metlich 46a and

46b.


BM ID: 1904,0511.36

In this type Victory holds a rudder or trophy instead of a cross and there are no

visible mint marks.

89. Metlich 46c (Arslan AR1)

This type shows Victory walking to the right holding a trophy and wreath, with a

star above her head and S C at the sides, all within the legend IMVICTA ROMA .


Quarter siliqua

The quarter siliqua emissions bear on the obverse the profile bust of Anastasius I

with retrograde legends that read D N ANASTASIVS P P AVC as well as mint

marks below the bust that are indicative of the Milanese mint. On the reverse of the

coin there is the monogram of Theoderic within the legend INVICTA ROMA

(adding C M with later emissions).

90. Metlich 47 (Arslan AR7)

BM ID: 1847,1108.365; 1856,0705.1; 1847,1108.366; B.12302

Of these four specimens that should all be part of Metlich 47, only one (B.12302)

shows evidence of the mint mark below the bust on the obverse – oMo. The coins

are stylistically very erratic and show completely different styles in the engraving

on both sides.


BM ID: B.12303; 1844,0425.2597

This type is characterized by the mint mark oMo, ●M●, ●m●, M below the bust on

the obverse; on the same side the legend is also retrograde. The reverse of the

coins shows an irregular legend, INVITA ROMA, with the letters C and M added at

the end. The two coins appear to share the same dies, on both sides.

91n. Another coin, B.12304 (BMC 82) was listed by Metlich as being part of this

group, but in spite of the mint mark oM(?)o under the bust, the legends on both

sides are completely illegible and it is possible that this could be a barbarous

emission, possibly by the Gepids, as it is quite similar in style to a specimen in

Metlich (2004, fig. 22).


The obverse of the coin bears the mint mark IMD and on the reverse the

monogram of Theoderic, within INVICTA ROMA C M legend. Not present in the



23

Mint of Milan or Ticinum (c. 493–c. 498)

Silver

Half siliqua

These productions are characterized by the use of the profile bust of Anastasius

with the legend D N ANASTSIVS P P and a bust with Ostrogothic drapery, dotted

in a similar way to the later productions from Ravenna. The mint mark ●●● is

placed below the bust. The reverse types show an initial Christogram that is

substituted at a later date by a star.


The type is characterized by a mint mark ●●● under the obverse bust and a

Christogram within a wreath on the reverse. Not present in the British Museum’s

collection.


On the obverse of this coin is the mint mark ●●● and on the reverse a star within a

wreath. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

Quarter siliqua

The emissions of quarter siliquae are characterized by the use of a profile bust on

the obverse of the coin with the legend of Anastasius, D N ANASTASIVS P P AVC,

sometimes with a mint mark below it; the legend is often retrograde and becomes

corrected with emission Metlich 52. The reverse bears the monogram of Theoderic

with a cross above and a star below, initially within the legend INVICTA ROMA,

which does not appear from emission Metlich 52 onwards.


The obverse bears a mint mark m under the bust and on the reverse there is the

monogram of Theoderic within the inscription IMVICTA ROMA. Not present in the



BM ID: 1906,1103.327; 1855,0512.67

This issue bears no evidence of a mint mark below the bust on the obverse. The

monogram of Theoderic is on the reverse, above which the reversed ϩ is visible,

all within the legend IMVICTA ROMA. The lettering is smudged in 1855,0512.67.


The issue is characterized by the monogram of Theoderic within the legend

IMVICTA ROMA. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.


On the obverse, the effigy seems quite ‘barbaric’ and bears the mint mark ●●●

below the bust. On the reverse the monogram of Theoderic has a cross above and

a six-pointed star below, all positioned within a wreath. Not present in the British

Museum’s collection.


24


BM ID: 1847,1108.364

This type should bear on the obverse the mint mark ●●● below the bust (not visible

in this example), and on the reverse there is the monogram of Theoderic with a

cross above and below, all positioned within a wreath. This issue shows the

change of the letter S on top of the monogram, now placed correctly (see Metlich

51b).


25

Theoderic in the name of Justin I (518–26)

Mint of Rome

Gold

Tremissis

The tremisses of Theoderic minted in the name of Justin I maintain, on the

obverse, the profile bust with cuirass, paludamentum and diadem and displays the

new legend, D N IVSTINVS P F AVC. The reverse bears an image of a frontal

depiction of Victory floating on a globe, holding a wreath and globus cruciger, as

well as a star on the right and the legend VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM and COMOB

in the exergue.


BM ID: B.12305; G3,RIG.529; B.12306

All the three specimens belonging to this group have clumsy errors in the ligatured

letters (B.12306 and obverse legends of the three specimens), incorrect spelling of

the legends (G3,RIG.529) or letters that are reversed (B.12305).


The type varies from the previous one in the addition of a dot ● at the end of the

reverse legend. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

Silver

Miliarensis


On the reverse, there is the monogram of Theoderic with a cross above, all

positioned within a wreath. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

Siliqua


On the reverse, the monogram of Theoderic is displayed with a cross above, all

situated within a wreath. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

Mint of Ravenna

Quarter siliqua

The emissions of quarter siliquae bear on the obverse the profile bust of the

emperor with Ostrogothic drapery. On the profile busts of the silver coinage, this

latter feature consists of a prominent shoulder panel containing dots. Metlich

(2004, 36) describes this as an ‘Ostrogothic garment’. However, it can be more

clearly seen on the frontal busts of some bronzes (e.g. Metlich 2004, 97–8) as a

robe with a decorative edging rendered as a dotted border.

Inscriptions are in the name of the new emperor, Justin, with a legend that reads D

N IVSTINIVS P AVC, or variants that end in P AVC or simply AVC. The reverse

bears the monogram of Theoderic with a cross above, both positioned within a

wreath.


26


BM ID: 1906,1103.324

This type seems to be separating from its variant, since the obverse image of the

emperor is surrounded by a rim that seems quite linear.

105. Metlich 55 var. 1

BM ID: B.12308; B.12309; 1904,0511.55; B.12310; 1908,0506.4; B.12311;

1906,1103.326

This variant is characterized by the bust of the emperor on the obverse surrounded

by a rim created by a beaded line that is quite clearly defined (unlike that in group

Metlich 55).


27

Athalaric

Athalaric in the name of Justin I (526–7)

Mint of Rome

Gold

Solidus

The emissions of solidi show on the obverse the three-quarter bust, with or without

trefoil ornament on the helmet (without in later emissions), who has a cuirass and

is holding a spear with a barbed top (Metlich 2004, 24 states this issue should be

without a trefoil, but this is contradicted in p. 93 of the same work – all examples in

the British Museum are without a trefoil). The legend on this side reads D N

IVSTINVS P F AAVC. On the reverse, the standing figure of Victory holds a long

cross in a style that seems to remain immobilized from the time of Theoderic,

therefore reading VICTORIA AVCCC, but the star is now located on the left of the

field instead of the right as previously recorded for the productions of Theoderic,

and the exergue reads COMOB.


This emission is recognizable by the use of the officinal mark and the final lettering

•T•. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.


BM ID: 1870,0201.2; BNK,R.93; G3,RIG.525; B.12642

This type is characterized on the obverse by the lack of trefoil on the emperor’s

helmet (except on B.12642), a feature that could be indicative of an imitative issue.

Worthy of notice is also the staff held by the emperor that is composed of dots and

not a plain linear feature. There is also a decline in the accuracy of the lettering,

seen especially in the letter F, which is rather crude in 1870,0201.2 and BNK,R.93.

Similarly, on the reverse, the letter B of COMOB becomes more similar to a letter

D (see BNK,R.93 and G3,RIG.525).

On the reverse the officina mark A is recorded, and there is also a shift of the star

from the right to the left of the field.

Tremissis

The emissions of tremisses maintain the profile bust of the emperor with cuirass

and paludamentum and the legend D N IVSTINVS P F AVC. On the reverse

Victory is advancing to the right with her head turned back (described as ‘floating’

by Metlich), holding a wreath in her right hand and a globus cruciger in her left. The

star in these emissions is located to the right of Victory; the legend reads

VICTORIA AVCVSTORVM and the exergue COMOB.


BM ID: B.12307

The only peculiar feature of this coin is the ligatured final letters of the legend on

either side of the coin.


28

Mint of Ravenna

Silver

Half siliqua

The emissions of half siliquae bear on the obverse the diademed profile effigy of

Emperor Justin I with Ostrogothic style dotted drapery and the legend D N

IVSTINVS P AVC. The reverse shows the monogram of Athalaric with a cross

above and a star below, between two letters DN, and all enclosed within a wreath.

The letters DN could possibly indicate the value of the coin, 500 nummi.


BM ID: B.12312

The style of this coin is very similar to the emissions of Theoderic, maintaining on

the obverse the dotted drapery typical of Ostrogothic Ravenna with a slightly more

visible diadem tie.

Quarter siliqua

Maintaining the portrait of the emperor on the obverse and the legend D N

IVSTINVS P AVC, the reverse of these coins records a major development that is

in fact the key change in the symbolism of Ostrogothic emissions. In fact, the

monogram of the Ostrogothic king is replaced by the inscription of the Ostrogothic

king, initially with his name, written over four lines, D N/ATHA/LARI/CVS and later

adding the title REX, becoming D N/ATHAL/ARICVS/REX. This act is often

interpreted as the desire to highlight the actual reigning authority in addition to that

of the acknowledged emperor which is still stated on the obve rse, asserting the

identity of the ruling population.15

110. Metlich 57a (Arslan AR17a)

BM ID: 1855,0612.482; B.12313

This type is considered to be the earliest issue of the quarter siliquae since it bears

the name of the king without the title REX. Only very few of these emissions are

known since it was substituted almost immediately with the legend of Metlich 57b.

111. Metlich 57b (Arslan AR17b)

The emission is characterized by the addition of the title REX/RIX at the end of the

legend on the reverse. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

112. Metlich –

BM ID: 1986,0421.14

This coin is a silver quarter siliqua unknown to Metlich, probably because it was

purchased by the British Museum in 1986 and was therefore not included in

Wroth’s catalogue.

The specimen shows on the obverse the profile bust of the emperor, with a dotted

paludamentum that is typical of the issues from the mint of Ravenna. It is however

15 Arslan 2004, 440.


29

also similar to the emissions of Baduila from the mint of Ticinum. The legend on

the obverse reads D N IVSTI(N)VS AVC; since the clipped part is so big, it is also

possible that the legend could fit the name of Justinian I. The reverse of the coin

bears a simple six-pointed star within a wreath, which was used for the emissions

of Theoderic in the name of Anastasius (Metlich 43a–b), although it is stylistically

more similar to a copper alloy minimus of Baduila (Metlich 96).

With the given information the coin could be assigned to the mint of Ravenna for

stylistic reasons and dated from the beginning of Justin’s reign in 518 to the end of

Justinian’s reign in 565.


30

Athalaric in the name of Justinian I

(527–c. 530)

Mint of Rome Gold

Solidus

The emissions of solidi maintain on the obverse the three-quarter frontal bust with

cuirass and barbed spearhead; the helmet now has a gem placed on the forehead

and the ties of the diadem are pointing downwards. The legend also records a

change for the new authority, D N IVSTINIANVS P F AVC. On the reverse the

legend VICTORIA AVCC surrounds a depiction of Victory standing with a long

cross. The star is placed on the left and the exergue reads COMOB; the exergual

line has one dot at the end on each side.


BM ID: B.12314; G3,RIG.534

Of the two coins in this group, B.12314 shows a spearhead that is barbed, but the

staff is created by a line of dots in the same way as in Metlich 32. The staff in

G3,RIG.534 is instead more linear (although this could be due to the wear of the

die) and the spearhead is not barbed, but more rounded, which possibly suggests

that this could be an emission of Ravenna or Milan instead.

Tremissis

The tremissis shows on the obverse the profile bust of the Byzantine emperor with

cuirass and paludamentum alongside the legend D N IVSTINIANVS P F AVC. The

reverse bears the legend VICTORIA AVCVSTORVM around a floating Victory

holding a wreath and globus cruciger. A six-rayed star is present on the left and

CONOB is in exergue.


BM ID: B.12316

This tremissis is not a well -manufactured coin. On the obverse it is possible to see

a change in style of the bust of the emperor that becomes more linear and the

legends on both sides were possibly badly engraved and are barely legible. On the

reverse, the figure of Victory seems to stand on only one leg, holding the wreath

and globus cruciger; near the feet of Victory is a small ‘wavy’ line that could be a

snake, which is not found in any other specimen. In this case the eight -rayed star

(instead of the six-pointed one described by Metlich) is placed to the left (Arslan

2008, 14, with a star on the right).


31

Mint of Ravenna (527–34)

Silver

Half siliqua

On the obverse the coin bears the diademed profile effigy of the emperor in

Ostrogothic style with dotted drapery, features that characterize the mint of

Ravenna, alongside the legend D N IVSTINIANVS P AVC (although not complete).

The reverse bears the monogram of Athalaric between D N, as well as a cross

above and a star below, which was later replaced by a letter ‘c’, all positioned

within a wreath.


BM ID: 1844,0425.2594; 1906,1103.330; 1853,0716.319

The half siliqua does not show great stylistic changes from the emissions in the

name of Justin I, apart from more evident ties of the diadem at the back. The style

of the paludamentum also varies slightly, although it maintains the dotted feature

that seems to characterize the Ravenna mint.


BM ID: 1904,0511.56; 1904,0403.15

This type, also a half siliqua, varies only in the reverse monogram without a star

underneath, which is replaced by a small symbol that recalls the letter ‘c’.

Quarter siliqua

The quarter siliqua emissions bear on the obverse the profile image of the emperor

with Ostrogothic style dotted drapery and the legend D N IVSTINIAN AVC. On the

reverse the inscription consists of the name of the king written over four lines, D

N/ATHAL/ARICVS/REX.


BM ID: 1918,0503.30; 1906,1103.328; 1847,1108.367; 1906,1103.329;

1852,0220.56; 1853,0716.320; B.12325

In this quarter siliqua emission, the inscription is written over four lines with the

final title REX. The spelling is not regular in this last part, where REX and RIX

seem to be used apparently without any particular rule. Amongst the coins at the

British Museum, 1918,0503.30 and 1906,1103.328 have the final REX and the rest

end with RIX.


32

Athalaric in his own name (526–34)

Mint of Rome

Copper alloy

10 nummi

The 10 nummi emissions bear on the obverse the image of the helmeted bust of

Rome with the inscription INVICTA ROMA. The reverse records two types: the first

depicts a king standing, holding a spear and shield between the letters SC, as well

as a letter X placed under the S in the left of the field, with the legend D N

ATHALARICVS. The second type bears the name of the king written over four

lines, D N/ATHAL/ARICVS/REX. Arslan considers this issue to be a denomination

of 15 nummi, not 10.

Metlich 85

When examining this emission it is possible to recognize two different styles in its

execution, which according to Metlich can be subdivided between 85a (described

as being of a coarser style) and 85b (stylistically finer). According to the author, all

the British Museum coins belong to group 85a, with a coarser style, although the

distinction between the two is subjective and hard to assess. Arslan16

noted a

difference in the execution of the coins in the different posture of the king himself,

either three-quarter facing or facing straight on, which is a more objective way of

discerning between the two types. Furthermore, the analysis carried out on the

coinage in the British Museum’s collection shows another difference between the

two emissions, which is the evidence given by the legend on the reverse of the

coins. In fact, all the coins that are here considered as belonging to group 85a

(according to Arslan) show an obverse legend that reads D N ATALARICVS REX.

The coins belonging to group 85b instead record a legend that reads D N

ATHALARICVS REX.


BM ID: 1908,0506.5; 1843,1024.234; B.12326; B.12327; BNK,R.862; B.12328

This type17

is defined as ‘romano-hellenistic’, in that the king on the reverse is

depicted as a three-quarter standing figure, with his head to the right and his right

leg just slightly bent to the back; the shield is represented behind the left leg, with

the central boss visible and all the legends on the reverse of the coins show the

name of Athalaric without the letter H, reading ATALARICVS.


BM ID: 1906,1103.331, 1847,1108.369, 1844,0425.2576; 1847,1108.370

This second group18

shows similar characteristics with the king standing and facing

the viewer with straight legs; the shield is also facing straight on with a more

decorated boss. As proposed by Arslan, the style in this group does not seem

more or less refined than the other, just different and possibly belonging to another

16 Arslan 2004. 17 Ibid., 443. 18 Ibid., 443–4.


33

school of engravers. Arslan suggests that the change in the positioning of the

standing figure could be related to information that was known to the bearer of the

coin but now unknown, which perhaps stressed the importance of attributes and

symbols of power.19

As mentioned above, the name of the king is here written with

the letter H and reads ATHALARICVS.


BM ID: 1906,1103.332; 1855,0612.483; 1860,0326.165

10 (or 15) nummi

This emission is considered by most numismatists to be a denomination of 10

nummi, a value that would be indicated by the presence of the letter/numeral X that

ties the wreath at the bottom. However, Arslan has disputed this theory by

suggesting that the interpretation of the X as a mark of value is not certain and that

because of the heavy average weight of this type, the emission could be of 15 and

not 10 nummi as is widely accepted.20

The three specimens of this type within the

British Museum’s collection show a quite good style of execution; 1906,1103.332

and 1860,0326.165 are quite complete and show that the edge of the coin could be

limited by a line that is dotted in the former.

5 nummi

The emissions of 5 nummi bear on the obverse the helmeted figure of Rome with

the inscription INVICTA ROMA. On the reverse is the mark of value V, the Latin

numeral for five, surrounded by the inscription of the king, D N ATHALARICVS,

with or without the final title REX.


In this type the inscription on the reverse reads + D N ATHALARICVS. Not present

in the British Museum’s collection.


BM ID: 1951,1115.2820; B.12329; 1904,0511.460

In this type the reverse inscription reads +DN ATHALARICVS REX; it is likely that

this type was produced at a later time than the previous one without a title, a

pattern already seen in the quarter siliquae silver emissions.

2½ nummi

This issue is considered by Metlich to be an emission of 2½ nummi (3 nummi by

Arslan). Unlike the other copper alloy denominations, the obverse bears the profile

bust of Justin I with paludamentum and diadem, alongside the legend D N

IVSTINIANVS, and the reverse bears the monogram of Athalaric within a wreath.

19 Ibid. 20 Arslan 1989; Arslan 2004; Arslan 2011.


34


BM ID: 1864,0719.31; B.12330; 1908,0506.6; 1847,1108.368; 1904,0511.461;

B.12331; B.12332; B.12333; B.12334; 1846,0711.5; 1937,1104.6;

1951,1115.2821; 1975,1106.1

The coins in this group are quite heterogeneous and seem to share only one

characteristic, which is that of the die being larger than the coin itself.

1904,0511.461 and 1846,0711.5 seem to share a similar die on the obverse,

visible in the rendering of the king’s hair. The same reverse die could have been

used for B.12330 and 1904,0511.461.


35

Athalaric, Theodahad and Witigis

Athalaric, Theodahad and Witigis in the

name of Justinian I (c. 530–9) It is not possible at present to attribute these pseudo-imperial coins to one of the

three Ostrogothic kings during this decade.

Mint of Ravenna

Gold

Solidus

The production of solidi maintains on the obverse the three-quarter facing bust with

cuirass and paludamentum, alongside the legend D N IVSTINIANVS P F AVC.

However, there are a few variations, such as the spearhead that is plain not

barbed and the diadem ties that are ‘fluttering’ away from the head.

On the reverse the image of the standing Victory is maintained with the legend

VICTORIA AVCCC, the star is placed on the left and the mint mark COMOB below

the exergual bar has one or two dots at each end.


BM ID: BNK,R.94; B.12317; B.12322

The three specimens in this group show similar characteristics in the highly

decorative cuirass of the emperor with a dotted spear shaft and plain spearhead.

On the reverse the three coins share the same officina mark ‘A’. B.12322 is the

coin in the worst condition, with the spear shaft almost not visible. In this specimen

the face of the emperor is also very worn and the legend is smudgy as if it was

made from a very old die or little care had been taken when produc ing it. The star

on its reverse is eight pointed, unlike those of the other two specimens that have

only six points.


BM ID: G3,RIG.535; 1873,1201.2; B.12321

This group includes three specimens of good quality and style that maintain a very

decorative cuirass as in the previous groups and the linear spearhead. The

difference between this type and Metlich 36a is found in the reverse legend, which

bears a dot ● between AVCCC and the officina mark A.

Tremissis

The tremisses bear on the obverse the profile bust of the emperor with cuirass and

paludamentum alongside the inscription of Justinian I with the legend D N

IVSTINIANVS P F AVC. On the reverse Victory is depicted floating, holding a

wreath and a globus cruciger with the legend VICTORIA AVCVSTORVM, as well

as the star on the right and COMOB in the exergue, with one or two dots at each

end of the exergual bar.


36


BM ID: G3,RIG.539; G3,RIG.542; G3,RIG.543; B.12315; B.12339

The coins in the group all show similar characteristics, especially on the obverse,

but all have slightly different features on the reverse. Metlich was unable to

determine the mint of emission, but stylistically the specimens in the British

Museum’s collection seem to show cuirasses of the emperor that resemble more

closely those on the emissions of Rome rather than Ravenna. However, Metlich

suggests that the mint for gold was moved from Rome to Ravenna and as

Ravenna was very busy producing silver coinage, it would have been necessary to

add another officina to the already existing one. This second officina could have

been the one that added the two dots at the ends of the bar, as seen in

G3,RIG.539, G3,RIG.542 and G3,RIG.543, whilst B.12315 and B.12339 bear only

one dot on each side of the exergual bar.

A peculiarity of G3,RIG.542 is the letter F of the PF on the obverse and the letters

C and N of the reverse AVGVSTORVN: F and C look like a letter Γ whilst the latter

is turned over and reads И. This change of character could be due to the use of

Greek lettering or a lack of care or knowledge shown by the engravers, a

hypothesis that could also be applied to B.12339, which shows a reversed S in the

obverse legend (the legends on both sides are both of a very crude style).

127. Metlich – (37 var.?)

BM ID: B.10327

This coin shows quite a good level of style on the obverse with a fairly legible

legend, as well as a bust that recalls the productions of Rome, but most

importantly there is a very peculiar relief around the circumference of the coin. On

the reverse there is a floating Victory with a badly drawn wreath and a globus

cruciger in addition to a star in the right field. The legend reads VICTOR(IA

AVGVST)ORVM, with unclear final letters and the mint mark that reads COИOO,

placed under two exergual lines. No other specimens show this peculiarity and it is

possible that this could be an imitative issue.

128. Metlich –

BM ID: B.12588

This coin is quite peculiar since the obverse shows the bust of the emperor in a

style that is similar to those of the mint of Rome. The coin is similar to types 33 and

35a, but on the reverse it shows an eight-pointed star instead of the six-pointed

one listed in Metlich’s work, as well as one (or two) letter(s) C(V?) in the right field.

The letters were not noticed by Wroth, and this may be due to the fact that the

letter V could be a fold in the dress of Victory; Metlich does not include the coin in

his catalogue. The meaning of the lettering is not known, but possible suggestions

could be ‘civitas’ or ‘invicta’, both terms commonly associated with Rome in this

period.


37

Theodahad in the name of Justinian I

(534–6)

Mint of Ravenna

Silver

Half siliqua

The half siliqua emissions show on the obverse the diademed profile bust of

Justinian I with Ostrogothic style drapery decorated with dots in the style that is

common of emissions from Ravenna alongside the legend D N IVSTINIANVS P

AVC. The reverse bears the monogram of Theodahad within a wreath.

129. Metlich 60

The emission is characterized by the monogram of Theodahad placed between the

letters D and N, all within a wreath. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

130. Metlich 61

BM ID: 1853,0716.318; B.12335; 1855,0612.484; 1936,1012.14

All the specimens of this type are in quite good condition and minted in a style of a

certain quality, especially 1855,0612.484 and B.12335, which probably share the

same reverse die. The most different is 1853,0716.318 in that the letter D of the

monogram is narrower than that of the other specimens as well as showing on the

obverse ‘fluttering’ ties of the diadem.

Quarter siliqua

The emissions of quarter siliquae bear on the obverse the diademed profile bust of

Justinian I with Ostrogothic style dotted drapery and the legend D N IVSTINIAN

AVC. On the reverse the name of Theodahad is placed over four lines: D

N/THEODA/HATVS/REX (or RIX).

131. Metlich 62

BM ID: 1867,0101.2223; 1847,1108.371; 1853,0716.317; 1906,1103.333;

1855,0512.68

The five specimens of this type are in quite good condition.


38

Mint of Rome

Copper alloy

40 nummi

During the brief reign of Theodahad the emissions in copper alloy included the

introduction of a 40 nummi issue with a very strong message that is visible

especially on the obverse where the bust of the emperor is replaced by that of

Theodahad himself. In this effigy, the king is also depicted with clear symbols of

barbaritas since he is portrayed as a warrior with a Spangenhelm21

and

Ostrogothic robes with pectoral cross, in addition to the long hair and moustache

and finally the legend that reads D N THEODAHATVS REX. On the reverse

Victory is standing on a prow, holding a palm branch and wreath, between SC, and

recorded with two different legends: VICTORIA AVGVST or VICTORIA

PRINCIPVM.

132. Metlich 89a

On the reverse of this type Victory is depicted with the irregular inscription

VICTORIA AVCVST. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

133. Metlich 89b

BM ID: 1847,1108.372; 1856,0705.3; 1951,1115.2822; 1908.0506.7; B.12337;

B.12338; 1906,1103.334

The specimens within this group are quite regular with good quality engraving and

a well-decorated jewelled bust with pectoral cross; the Spangelhelm is also

jewelled and the plates decorated with 6 pointed stars.

Following a die analysis carried out by Metlich and Arslan22

on the 40 nummi coins

of Theodahad, it is possible to discern three different die combinations visible in

the coins in the collection of the British Museum. The different combinations are as

follows:

1C: D N THEO-DAHATVS REX/VICTORIA PRINCIVM (BM ID 1951,1115.2822)

1E: D N THEO-DAHATVS REX/VICTORIAP-RINCIPVM (BM ID: 1856,0705.3;

B.12338)

2A: D N THEODA-HATVS REX/VICTORIA-PRINCIPVM (BM ID: 1847,1108.372;

B.12337)

3B: D N THEOD-AHATVS REX/VICTORIAP-RINCIPVM (BM ID: 1906,1103.334)

For this subdivision, the scholars only considered legend breaks and not any

visible variants to the legends as further evidence of a different die.

This of course causes a problem in the actual number of existing dies, since few

spelling inaccuracies are present. For example the legend of 1951,1115.2822 has

on the reverse the use of the Λ instead of the A and reads PRINCIPV lacking the

final M (also absent in 1908.0506.7); B.12337 has the letter И instead of N and is

21 This is a helmet made of strips (spangen) that form the framew ork of the helmet (helm) to w hich steel or bronze plates w ere connected that f ill the gaps. 22 Arslan and Metlich in Metlich 2004, 125–34.


39

inaccurate in the miscalculation of the space needed for the legend, where the

letters DA of Theodahad are smaller and just fit around the image and the final X

looks more like a cross. 1906,1103.334 uses a И in the initial DN part, followed by

a letter E that looks more like an F, and the final part REX actually reads R[+; on

the reverse the reading is VICLOᴚIV bRIИCPVM (with letters written outwardly), as

well as recording a reversed ϩ in the SC.

Therefore, it is possible to see a number of what could be considered ‘spelling’

mistakes or inaccuracies in the lettering that contrast with the actual precision in

the representation of the king’s portrait. This could possibly be interpreted as a

clear sign of the shift from an ancient Roman style to a technique that stresses the

importance of symbols of a different nature, as suggested by Arslan.23

10 (or 15) nummi

These emissions bear on the obverse the profile bust of the personification of

Rome with the legend INVICTA ROMA. On the reverse the name of Theodahad is

written over four lines, D N THEOD/ AHATHVS/REX.

134. Metlich 90

BM ID: 1853,0716.321; 1847.1108.373; 1906.1103.335; 1951,1115.2823

This type copies the previous emissions of Athalaric, with the name of the king

written over four lines; all of the specimens show regular lettering and no

misspellings on either side of the coins. The obverse of coins 1853,0716.321 and

1847.1108.373 is similar and it is possible that they could have shared the same

die.

2½ nummi

The emission of 2½ nummi bear on the obverse the effigy of the Byzantine

emperor Justinian I with the legend D N IVSTINIANVS. On the reverse the

monogram of Theodahad is positioned within a wreath, reading D

N/THEODA/HATHVS/REX.

135. Metlich 91a

BM ID: B.12336

The coin belonging to this type is not in a very good condition and the inscription

on the obverse is unclear. On the reverse the flan used seems smaller than the die

itself.

135a. Metlich 91b

The issue is characterized by a monogram that is only slightly different in style t o

the previous one in the form of the letter S above the monogram. Not present in


23 Arslan 2011.


40

Witigis

Witigis in the name of Justinian I (356–8)

Mint of Ravenna

Silver

Half siliqua

The emissions of half siliquae bear on the obverse the diademed bust of Justinian I

with Ostrogothic style dotted drapery and an inscription that reads D N

IVSTINIANVS P F AVC, although with irregularities (the legend is also surrounded

by a pearled border not recorded by Metlich). On the reverse, the emission bears

an inscription written over four lines, D N/VVIT/ICE(I)S/REX.


BM ID: 1847,1108.375; 1844,0425.2582; 1844,0425.2596; 1844,0425.2600;

1867,0101.2220; 1906,1103.336

Six coins belong to this quite uniform group, especially on the obverse where the

bust drapery maintains the characteristic dotted decoration typical of the emissions

of Ravenna. There are some spelling irregularities on the obverse in

1867,0101.2220 where the initial letter N reads II, whilst 1847,1108.375 and

1844,0425.2600 show the following endings: P Γ AV and P Γ IVC. On the reverse,

the inscriptions all end with REX.

Quarter siliqua

The quarter siliqua emissions bear on the obverse the diademed profile bust of the

emperor with Ostrogothic style dotted drapery and the legend D N IVSTINIAN AVC

within a beaded border. The reverse displays the monogram within a wreath, with

a dot between the two main letters, R and D. The monogram recorded is that of

Theoderic and not Witigis, possibly an attempt to assert his belonging to the Amal

family.24


BM ID: B.12340; B.12342

Maintaining the dotted drapery typical of the mint of Ravenna, the coins show quite

regular features; the dotted line is well defined in these specimens.

138. Metlich 64 var.

BM ID: B.12341

As with type 64 this variant shows the bust of Justinian on the obverse and the

monogram of Theoderic on the reverse, but of a type without the dot in the middle.

24 Metlich 2004, 41,


41

Unlike type 64, there is no evidence of a dotted border, which appears to be more

linear.

Copper alloy

10 (15) nummi

The copper alloy production seems to record only one single denomination, 10

nummi (considered to be 15 nummi by Arslan), which bears on the obverse the

profile helmeted bust of the personification of Rome and the inscription INVICTA

ROMA. On the reverse the name of the emperor is written over four lines that

reads D N/VVIT/ ICE(I)S/RE(I)X, all within a wreath tied by the letter/numeral X. It is

likely that Witigis did not emit minimi because of the need for higher value

denominations due to the cost of the war.


BM ID: 1847,1108.374; B.12344; 1855,0612.485

The British Museum’s collection contains three coins of the Metlich 92 type, one of

which shows the final part RIX (1847,1108.374) whilst the other two show REX.

Particularly worthy of notice is B.12344, which displays a dotted line around the

wreath on the reverse that is not visible on the other two specimens.


42

Witigis in the name of Anastasius I (538–9)

Silver

Quarter siliqua

This emission bears on the obverse the diademed profile effigy of the emperor with

Ostrogothic style dotted drapery representing Emperor Anastasius I instead of

Justinian I with the legend D N ANASTASIVS. The reverse bears a monogram of

Theoderic in a slight variant. Because of the legend of Anastasius, Wroth had

assigned this coin to the emissions of Baduila. However, since Baduila only uses

his name on the reverse of his emissions, it is likely that this is a specimen minted

in the latter years of Witigis’ reign when the Ostrogoths were at war with the

Byzantine emperor.


BM ID: B.12343

This coin bears the clear inscription of Anastasius I on the obverse of the coin and

the monogram of Theoderic within a wreath on the reverse. No monograms for

Witigis are in fact recorded.


43

Baduila in the name of Justinian I

(541–9/550)

Mint of Ticinum

Silver

Half siliqua

The initial half siliqua emissions of Baduila bear on the obverse the diademed

profile image of Justinian I with Ostrogothic style dotted drapery and the legend D

N IVSTINIANVS P F AVC, which is often poorly executed. On the reverse the

name of the king is written over four lines, D N/DADV/ILA/REX.


The obverse of this coin shows the portrait of Justinian I. On the reverse the

legend of the king is written over four lines. Not present in the British Museum’s

collection.

Quarter siliqua

The emissions of quarter siliqua bear the profile effigy of Justinian I with a cross-

topped diadem and Ostrogothic style dotted drapery. Variable forms of obverse

legends occur: D N IVISTIVS, D N IVSTINIANVS as well as INVICTISIMVS AVC.

On the reverse is the monogram of Baduila with D above and N below, all within a

wreath, or a type with the name of the king, D N/BADV/ILA/REX.


BM ID: 1931,0810.1

This emission is considered to be an early example because of the presence of the

inscription of Justinian I on the obverse, which is very poorly executed. The

reverse bears the monogram of Baduila within a wreath.


In this emission the obverse inscription of Emperor Justinian I varies slightly to DN

IVSTIVS PF AVC. The reverse maintains the monogram of Baduila. Not present in



This type shows on the obverse the inscription of Justinian I, DN IVSTINIANVS PF

AVC. The reverse records a change in its typology with evidence of the name of

the king written over four lines. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.


This type witnesses a change in the obverse legend to INVICTISIMVS AVC. On

the reverse the name of the king is written over four lines. Not present in the British



44

Baduila in the name of Anastasius I

(541–52)

Mint of Ticinum

Gold

Solidus

The single solidus emission shows on the obverse the three-quarter frontal bust of

Anastasius with cuirass, paludamentum and diadem, with a trefoil on the helmet

and no diadem ties, holding a spear with lance top and shield alongside the legend

D N ANASTASIVS P P AVC. The reverse depicts an image of Victory standing

with a star on the left, accompanied by the legend VICTORIA AVCCC followed by

the mint mark/year and CONOT in the exergue. Metlich has some doubts whether

this is an Ostrogothic emission.25


BM ID: B.12345; B.12346; B.7553

Three specimens in this group can be distinguished from the earlier emissions of

Theoderic on account of the final mint mark ‘I’ at the end of the reverse legend (in

earlier examples the letter/numeral was followed by the monogram of Theoderic

(see Metlich 20)). Furthermore, the style of the engraving is slightly more ‘barbaric’,

especially in B.12345.

However, B.12346 is much poorer in style and the letters of the legend are almost

illegible especially on the obverse where it is heavily worn. The legends are also

very irregular since the obverse reads D N IVSTINIANVS P I AVG; the reverse

adds II at the end to read VICTORIA AVCCC A II. The star in the field is placed on

the left and the exergue that reads CONICI. B.12346 is not only smaller in

diameter but also has quite a thick and rounded edge, reminiscent of a trimmed

Lombardic coin. It is possible that this could be a contemporary imitative coin.

B.7553 is instead distinguished by the more careful and detailed production style

and it is possible to attribute it to the mint of Ticinum because of the legend C•N•T

(the final T would stand for Ticinum). The mint mark is characterized by the two

letters ‘O’ that look like a dot •, a feature also seen in specimens of Metlich 40b,

var. 6.

Tremissis

The tremissis emissions show on the obverse the profile effigy of Anastasius I with

cuirass, paludamentum and diadem alongside the legend D N ANASTASIVS P P

AVC. On the reverse a frontal depiction of Victory is seen floating on a globe,

holding a wreath and globus cruciger, and a star is normally positioned in the right

field alongside the legend VICTORIA AVCVSTORVM; mint marks often vary.

25 Metlich 2004, 34.


45


BM ID: 1906,1103.317

This emission maintains the general features seen in Baduila’s productions, but the

obverse legend refers to Justinian I and not Anastasius (Metlich 40). This coin

does not bear the legend CONOT as specified by Metlich, but C•N•, as for example

in Metlich 40b var. 6. It therefore seems that the same officina producing with this

mint mark could have been active from the earlier stages of Baduila’s reign.


BM ID: B.12347; B.12348

These two coins show a similar reverse with a star in the right field, However,

B.12347 is less precise with the legend and exergue placed in a continuous

sequence in which the exergue inscription drops the final letter B. B.12348 is

executed with more precision as the exergual bar and legend are better

distinguished than those of the other coin.

149. Metlich 40b (Arslan AV35/6)

BM ID: 1863,0711.20

This type is defined by the exergue inscription CONOI, as well as a dot present at

each end of the exergual line.

150. Metlich 40b var. (Arslan –)

Ten coins may be assigned to type 40b, but the characteristics of this type are not

always present. Some show the same features or share similar patterns that could

group the coins together.

151. Var.1

Mint mark CONO(B)

BM ID: B.12352

On the reverse of this variant, the exergue mint mark is not clear and reads

CONO(B).

152. Var. 2

Mint mark CONOB

BM ID: B.12349; B.12351

The coins bear in the reverse exergue the full mint mark CONOB, but with two

different reverse legends: B.12349 reads VICTORS AVCOSTRV with the mint

mark ‘I’ at the end of the legend, as seen in the solidus emissions; B.12351 bears

the legend VICTORIA AVCVSTII.

153. Var. 3

Mint mark CONOΓ

BM ID: B.12353

This coin shows on the reverse the mint mark CONOΓ, with the use of the letter Γ

instead of a T. The style of the coin is quite refined, but in the legend the letter A is

substituted by Λ; the obverse legend is more imprecise than the reverse and

contains the final mint mark ‘I’, already seen in B.12349 and B.12351 (var. 2).

154. Var. 4

Mint mark COHO

BM ID: 1869,0709.59; B.12357

Two coins bear in the reverse exergue the inscription COHO, although this is more

evident in B.12357. This specimen shows a style with quite crude images on both

sides and legends that seem quite illiterate. On the contrary 1869,0709.59 is quite


46

well produced on the reverse with a regular exergue bar, although the inscription

underneath is not complete.

155. Var. 5

Mint mark COИO

BM ID: B.12358

This coin is of a rather good quality in the style of the engraving with a bust that

shows a cross on the diadem. However, in the legends there are misspellings and

a reversed ϩ, Λ and И have been used instead of the letters S, A and N, resulting

in D N AИΛϩIΛϩIVϩ I I AL(?) and VICTORIΛ ΛVVCVSTORV I; this latter mark

could be the same mint mark as already seen in the solidi and the tremissis of this

same type (see var. 2).

156. Var. 6

Mint mark C•N•

BM ID: B.12354; B.12355; B.12356; G3,RIG.520

Four coins belong to this group sharing a similar style of mint mark in which the

letters O of CONO are represented by a filled dot • that can be of different sizes

and is badly executed in G3,RIG.520 where the dots look more like small triangles.

Both B.12354 and G3,RIG.520 have a thin border around the field that is

reminiscent of later Lombardic coins manufactured in this way. Another common

feature is the use of ϩ and Λ instead of the letters S and A. B.12354 shows signs

of the gold smudging around the letters on either side of the coin, perhaps

indicative of a worn die.

Silver (549/550–2)

Half siliqua

The half siliqua emissions are characterized by the diademed profile bust with

Ostrogothic style dotted drapery and the name of Anastasius, D N ANASTASIVS P

F AVC, or DOMINO ANSTASIV OC. On the reverse the name of Baduila is written

over four lines, D N/BADV/ILA/REX.


BM ID: 1853,0716.324; 1847,1108.377; B.12359

This emission bears on the obverse the legend of Anastas ius I and shows the

dotted garment that was typical of the mint of Ravenna, possibly a style that was

being maintained even after the city had been lost to the Byzantine emperor.

On the reverse the name of Baduila is written over four lines, with the Greek letter

Λ substituting the letter A and the ending is REX or RIX.


BM ID: 1847,1108.376

This type maintains the profile bust of Anastasius I, but is of a rather crude style

and the legend changes to DOMINO ANSTASIV OC. On the reverse the name of

Baduila is written over four lines, with the letter A substituted by the Greek letter Λ.

Quarter siliqua

The quarter siliqua emissions bear on the obverse the diademed profile bust of

Anastasius with Ostrogothic style dotted drapery and the legend D N

ANASTASIVS P F AVC. On the reverse, the name of Baduila is written over four

lines, D N/BADV/ILA/REX, all within a wreath.


47


BM ID: 1863,0711.18; B.12361

This emission bears legends of Anastasius that are irregular; the letter A is

substituted by the Greek Λ.


BM ID: B.12360

This emission, similar to the previous type, shows a more regular style, particularly

on the obverse effigy that is more detailed and reflects a more classical style. On

the obverse, the legend is barely legible and on the reverse the letter A is


Mint of Rome

Silver

Half siliqua

The silver emissions of Rome are two issues of half siliquae that bear on the

obverse the diademed effigy of the Byzantine emperor with Ostrogothic style

drapery, engraved in a more linear way, but maintaining the dotted feature of the

garment; the legends are irregular and consist of variants of D N ANASTASIVS P

F AVC. The obverse effigy and legend are surrounded by a heavy dotted border.

The reverse bears the name of Baduila written over four lines, D N/BADV/ILA/REX,

within a wreath.


BM ID: 1867,0101.2222

On this type the name of Baduila is given on the reverse and preceded by a cross,

therefore reading + D N/BADV/ILA/REX, and is positioned within a wreath.


This type bears on the reverse the simple legend of Baduila without a cross. Not


Copper (541–52)

10 (15) nummi

This emission bears on the obverse the crowned bust of the personification of the

river Ticinus and the inscription FELIX TICINVS. The reverse bears the inscription

of the king, D N/BADV/ILA/REX, written over four lines and positioned within a

wreath.


BM ID: 1853,0716.325

The only peculiar feature of this coin is the obverse legend in which the letter A is


2½ (or 3 according to Arslan) nummi

The emissions of 2½ nummi (or minimi) bear on the obverse the effigy of Emperor

Anastasius, a profile bust to the right with paludamentum and diadem, alongside

the legend D N ANASTASIVS. The reverse shows three main different types: the


48

monogram of Baduila; the inscription D N REX/B written over two lines; and a star

within a wreath.


BM ID: 1904,0511.450; B.12362; B.12363; 1849,0717.268

This type shows on the obverse the effigy of the emperor, but the inscription is

often not visible due to the fact that the die was likely to be bigger than the flan

itself. On the reverse is the monogram of Baduila, with a cross above, all within a

wreath.


BM ID: 1904,0511.462; B.12364

This type shows on the obverse the effigy of the emperor and on the reverse the

inscription */D N REX/B, all positioned within a wreath.


BM ID: 1849,0717.291; 1849,0717.168; 1849,0717.267; B.12365; 1846,0711.9;

1934,0903.26

This type maintains the effigy of Anastasius on the obverse and shows a simpler

inscription on the reverse, reading D N REX/B, all within a wreath. The execution

of the coins is fairly irregular and heterogeneous and four specimens show a line

above the letter DN, an indication of a slightly different production and could be

interpreted as the abbreviation of the word DOMINVS. All of the coins show

evidence on both sides of minting with a die that is larger than the flan itself.

167. Metlich 95b var.

BM ID: 1934,0903.48

This type shows a different legend on the reverse, with RX instead of REX.

168. Metlich 95b var.

BM ID: 1849,0717.266; B.12366

This type shows the effigy of Anastasius on the obverse and on the reverse the

inscription D N REX/B, however without a line above.


BM ID: 1864,0719.27; 1864,0719.26

This type shows on the obverse the effigy of Anastasius and his legend, and on the

reverse a star within a wreath. Whilst the obverse is often minted with a die that

seems to be bigger than the flan itself, the reverse is more regular and fits better in

the flan. 1864,0719.26 also shows some protrusion of metal on both sides of the

coin, a possible indication of the technology used for its production, likely to be a

cast flan on which the coin was struck without removing the excess parts.


49

Baduila in his own name

Mint of Rome

Silver (550–2)

Half siliqua

The only known emission of Baduila in his own name is a half siliqua that

maintains on the obverse an effigy that resembles those previously used for the

Byzantine emperors – diademed and with Ostrogothic style dotted drapery, but

with the name of Baduila, D N BADVILA REX. The reverse bears the inscription of

the king written over four lines, D N/BADV/ILA/REX, positioned within a wreath.


BM ID: 1847,1108.378

This coin shows quite a good level of style in the execution on both sides. The

obverse effigy resembles the quality of Thedoeric’s emissions and correct lettering,

especially on the reverse emission in which the letter A is executed with the

horizontal bar.

Copper alloy (549/550–2)

10 (15) nummi

The 10 nummi are produced with the effigy of the king, in a frontal pose with

Ostrogothic style dotted drapery and helmet as well as the legend of the king that

reads D N BADVILA REX. This denomination was produced with two different

types: the first one bears the legend of the king written over four lines, D N

B/ADV/ELA/REX or D N/BADV/ELA/REX within a wreath. The second type bears

an image of the king standing in a frontal position, holding a spear and shield

within the legend FLOREAS SEMPER.


BM ID: 1860,0326.167; B.12367; 1906,1103.337; B.12368; 1951,1115.2825;

B.12369

The six coins of this type show on the reverse a legend that is evenly distributed

with three letters of the inscription on each line. 1860,0326.167 and B.12367 show

a more similar execution and even alloy; the same occurs on 1906,1103.337 and

B.12368 that are also lighter in weight.


BM ID: 1908,0506.23

This emission differs from 97a since the reverse inscription shows a different

subdivision of the name of the emperor, D N/BADV/ELA/REX.


The type maintains on the obverse the frontal portrait of Baduila and on the

reverse a depiction of the king standing with spear and shield and a numeral X in

the right field within the legend FLORE ASSEMPER. Not present in the British



BM ID: 1908,0506.8; B.12370; B.12371; 1860,0326.166; B.12372; B.12373


50

This type shows on the obverse the frontal portrait of Baduila and on th e reverse a

change to a depiction of a frontal facing standing king with spear, shield and the

numeral (?) X placed in the right field. The legend FLOREAS SEMPER is

subdivided differently from the previous type.

2½ nummi

The productions of minimi maintain on the obverse the frontal diademed effigy of

Baduila with Ostrogothic style dotted drapery and the legend of the king, D N

BADVILA REX. The reverse instead shows a lion within a wreath.


BM ID: 1864,0719.32; B.12374; B.12375

The three coins belonging to this emission show evidence on both sides of the use

of a larger die for a smaller size flan. The obverse sides in 1864,0719.32 and

B.12375 show that a line surrounded the whole effigy and inscription, which is

dotted in B.12375.


51

Theia (552)

Mint of Ticinum

Silver

Half siliqua

The emissions of half siliqua show on the obverse the profile bust of Anastasius I

wearing a diadem and Ostrogothic style dotted drapery, with irregular legends from

DONINO ANASTASIV OC to D M/N ANASTASIVS P AVC and other variants. On

the reverse the inscription of the Ostrogothic king is written over three or four lines

from D N/THEI/AREX to DOM/NVSTH/EIAP/REX, also with very irregular legends.


In this emission the legend on the obverse reads DOMINO ANASTASIV OC. The

reverse bears the inscription of the king over three lines, D N/THEI/A REX,

positioned within a wreath. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.


This emission bears on the obverse the legend DM ANASTASIVS P AC. On the

reverse is the inscription of the king over four lines, DOM/NVS TH/EIA P/REX, all

positioned in a wreath. Not present in the British Museum’s collection.

178. Metlich 74b (var.?)

BM ID: 1904,0403.16

The style of this coin resembles that of the Metlich 74b emissions, but with some

variants. In fact, on the obverse the name of the emperor reads D N ANΛϩTAϩ IVϩ

Γ AV, with the reversed ϩ on either side of the coin as well as the badly incised

letters A, one of which reads Λ as well as a badly incised P that becomes a Γ. On

the reverse the inscription includes the P in the third line at the end of the name,

reading DOM/NVϩTH/EIA P/REX.


BM ID: B.12376

One coin is assigned to this group and is characterized by fairly irregular legends

that show on the obverse the effigy and name of Anastasius I, D N ΛNΛSTΛSIVS

P P Λ, with all the A letters without a bar, resembling the Greek letter Λ. On the

reverse the subdivision of the name is already irregular, reading D N/THE/IA/DEX,

in which the letter D is used instead of R; also the A is particularly carelessly

inscribed as it is made up simply of two lines convergent at the top / \. The same

type of inscription is found in the quarter siliqua emission, B.12377.

180. Metlich 74c var.

BM ID: 1847,1108.379; 1867,0101.2221

Because of the different reverse inscriptions two coins were assigned to a variant

of group 74c. The two half siliquae show the use of the letter Λ instead of A in the

obverse inscription, whilst the reverse uses the Latin letter. The reverse is also

characterized by the legend D N/THIL/A REX in the case of 1867,0101.2221 and

whilst the legend is correct in 1847,1108.379, the letter I is rather badly incised,

looking more like a letter L.


52

Quarter siliqua

The quarter siliqua emissions show the diademed profile bust of Anastasius on the

obverse with Ostrogothic style dotted drapery and the legend D N ANASTASIV(S

P F) AV(C). The inscription of the Ostrogothic king is maintained on the reverse,

written over three lines D N/THEI/AREX.

181. Metlich 75 (var?) (Arslan AR33)

BM ID: B.12377

The coin included in this group shows quite irregular legends on both sides. On the

obverse, the letters of the letters A are replaced by Λ. On the reverse the

inscription is written over four lines, the subdivision of the nam e seems incorrect

and the A letters are particularly carelessly inscribed, simply created by two lines

convergent at the top / \. The same type of inscription is found in the half siliqua

coin B.12376, both possibly the work of the same engraver (although the dies are

different).


53

Anonymous emissions

INVICTA ROMA

The copper alloy emissions of the Ostrogoths include some issues that are difficult

to assign to one specific authority and were classified as ‘autonomous’ by both

Wroth26

and Grierson.27

In 1973, Hahn arranged these issues in a more structured

way, assigning most of them to an unspecified period between the reigns of

Theoderic and Athalaric from the mint of Rome.

These productions have been the subject of much debate amongst numismatist s,

without however reaching a satisfactory or fully accepted interpretation. There are

in fact disagreements related to the issuing authority and therefore the date of their

emission, as well as the mints in which they were produced.

The issues are minted with denominations of 40, 20 and 10 nummi, all without the

effigy of a Byzantine emperor. The obverse of 40 and 20 nummi issues bear the

image of the personification of Rome with a helmeted head and the inscription

INVICTA ROMA; the 10 nummi emissions display the personification of Ravenna

and the inscription FELIX RAVENNA.

Grierson subdivided the 40 and 20 nummi emissions into two groups, the first of

which was ‘Class 1’ that included productions of follis and ½ follis with the image of

the she-wolf with suckling twins and the mark of value XL or XX. In the issues

considered as ‘Class 2’ the reverse of the follis bears the image of an eagle with

the mark of value XL, whilst the ½ follis has a fig tree with the mark of value XX

placed in the exergue.28

Initially Grierson29

and later Arslan30

suggested a classification that was mainly

based on the analysis of their weight, with the hypothesis that the earliest 40

nummi emissions with the wolf were minted after 493, therefore replacing the

emissions of Odovacar issued in the name of Zeno.

Recently, Metlich has adopted a different approach by taking into consideration not

only the weight of the emissions, but also their stylistic characteristics that were

often ignored in the past. In his work31

he supports the hypothesis that the weight

of the coins cannot be the only factor for a chronological classification as he

believes that the larger coins are often recorded to be lighter in weight than the

standards recorded for those specific emissions. As a result, Metlich supports the

theory that the reference weight should be calculated on the 10 nummi issues as

their recorded weight is more stable.32

This created a new classification, whereby

the 40 nummi with the image of the eagle and the FELIX RAVENNA emissions

26 BZ3. 27 MEC 1. 28 Ibid., 32; Arlsan 2010 w ith bibliography. Arslan shares the same theory introduced by Grierson, but does not uses ‘Classes’. 29 MEC 1. 30 Arslan 1989. 31 Metlich 2004, 48. 32 Ibid., 64–6.


54

were ascribed to Theoderic, whilst the other types with fig tree and she-wolf were

attributed to Athalaric.

This new approach was strongly criticized by Arslan who argued that Metlich’s

work only took into consideration coins that were conserved in museum collections

and neglected the significant evidence from the archaeological record.33

Another more recent work by Stahl34

has subdivided the issues into Classes II–IV.

In Class II he included the emissions with the legend INVICTA ROMA and the she-

wolf, both 40 and 20 nummi. In Class III he included emissions still with the legend

INVICTA ROMA, the 40 nummi with an eagle on reverse and 20 nummi with fig

tree and eagles. Class IV is related to the emissions of Ravenna with the FELIX

RAVENNA inscription. Unlike Metlich, Stahl suggests that all these issues were

minted by the Ostrogoths from Theoderic onwards. This is particularly important for

the Zeno emissions with an image of an eagle, which Stahl dates to the early years

of Theoderic when Zeno was still emperor.

Table 1 shows a synthesis of the different hypothesis that have been put forward

for the interpretation of these emissions, starting with those suggested by the

British numismatists Wroth35

and Grierson,36

followed by the German-Austrian

school of Metlich37

and Hahn,38

as well as the earliest interpretations of

Friedländer39

and Kraus,40

and finally the Italian scholars Arslan41

and Ercolani.42

Stahl43

is not included in this table, since his review is more general and did not

analyse in detail the issues of minting authority and mint of production.

Table 1 (T = Theoderic; A = Athalaric; RA = Ravenna; RM = Rome)

Type Wroth

1911

(BZ3)

CEM

1986

Metlich

2004

Hahn

1973

(MIB 1)

Friedländer

1849

Kraus

1928

Ercolani

1983

Arslan

2011

Metlich 76,

eagle

T/A, RM Odov, RM T, RM T/A; RM ? RM A, RM

Metlich 82,

she-wolf, 40

nummi

T/A, RM? ?, RM A, RM T, RM ?RA/RM ? RA/RM ? RM T, RM

Metlich 83,

fig tree, 20

nummi

T/A, RM? ?, RM A, RM T/A, RM ? RM ? RM ? RM T, RM

Metlich 84,

she-wolf, 20

nummi

T/A, RM? ?, RM A, RM T, RM ? RM ? RM ? RM T, RM

33 Arslan 2011. 34 Stahl 2012, 637–8. 35 BZ3. 36 MEC 1. 37 Metlich 2004. 38 MIB I. 39 Friedländer 1849. 40 Kraus 1928. 41 Arslan 2004; Arslan 2011. 42 Ercolani 1983. 43 Stahl 2012.


55

FELIX RAVENNA

The early scholars who took up the task of classifying Ostrogothic coinage

associated the emissions of Felix Ravenna to the productions of the Ravenna mint,

literally following the inscription on the obverse of the coin. The 10 nummi piece

was minted in three different issues that bear on the reverse the image of an eagle,

the monogram of the city or a standing Victory between the letters R and V, which

are interpreted as the mint mark or Ravenna.

However, the discovery of two coins that can be defined as ‘mules’ or ‘hybrid’ has

created some problems in this identification since these specimens (Metlich 86/78)

show on the obverse a helmeted bust of Rome with the inscription INVICTA ROMA

and the monogram of the city of Ravenna on the reverse. This evidence led Hahn

to suggest that the mint of production of the FELIX RAVENNA issue was not

Ravenna, but Rome, a hypothesis supported by Metlich44

who also suggested that

these productions were minted under the reign of Theoderic.

In contrast, Arslan argued that the obverse die used for the ‘hybrid’ specimens was

also employed to mint some issues of Athalaric.45

Supported by this evidence, the

scholar suggests that the die was initially used for emissions of Athalaric and only

later recycled for the Felix Ravenna emissions, therefore proposing instead that

the issue was minted during the reign of Athalaric. The issue could have been

produced initially with the bust of Rome as a symbol of the kingdom and not of the

mint of production, an effigy that was substituted by the bust of Ravenna.46

Table 2

summarizes the different interpretations that have been presented to date.

Table 2 (T = Theoderic; A = Athalaric; RA = Ravenna; RM = Rome)

Type Metlich

2004

Hahn

1973

(MIB

I)

Wroth

1911

(BZ3)

CEM

1986

Friedländer

1849

Kraus

1928

Ercolani

1983

Arslan

2011

Metlich

77, eagle

T, RM T/A,

RM

T?,

RA

?,

RA

? RA ? RA ? RM A, RA

Metlich

78,

monogram

T, RM T,

RM

A?,

RA

?,

RA

? RA ? RA ? RM A, RA

Metlich

81, Victory

T, RA – A?,

RA

?,

RA

– ? RA ? RM T, RA?

At the moment it is not possible to determine which interpretation is correct both for

the mint and authority. However, it is important to stress that Metlich seems to

have considered only data for coins in museum collections, apparently neglecting

the archaeological data available. Following the work of Arslan and adding to

recently recorded data (Baldi forthcoming), it is possible to observe a great

preponderance of finds in the north-eastern areas of the Italian peninsula that

44 Metlich 2004, 48–9. 45 Arslan 1978, 40–1. 46 Ibid., 40–1, n. 83; Arslan 2011, 376.


56

contrast to the very scarce evidence of this particular emission in the central and

southern areas of the Italian peninsula, supporting an attribution to Ravenna.

The work of Arslan takes into consideration not only material in museums, but also

archaeological finds. It is through the analysis of their distribution that it is possible

to observe, for example, the diffusion of the Felix Ravenna type with a monogram

of the city of Ravenna that is concentrated mainly in the north-eastern part of Italy,

particularly around Ravenna and the Dalmatian coast.

Furthermore, the subdivision that Arslan supports seems to be more logical and

linear than that proposed by Metlich as Arslan considers the productions of 40 and

20 nummi to be contemporaneous, whilst Metlich suggests that Theoderic

produced only emissions of 40 and 10 nummi and neglected the 20 nummi

denomination.

INVICTA ROMA

Mint of Rome

Copper alloy

40 nummi

The 40 nummi emissions bear on the obverse the helmeted bust of Rome to the

right, alongside the inscription INVICTA ROMA. On the reverse, the two types bear

the image of an eagle or she-wolf with suckling twins.

182. Metlich 76a

BM ID: 1904,0511.451

This issue bears on the reverse an eagle standing to the left and looking to the

right. On its left is the mark of value, XL, surrounded by a dotted line. This type is

characterized by the absence of an officina mark below the exergual bar on the

reverse.

According to Metlich this is the earliest copper alloy issue dating to 493–518 as the

reverse could be connected to the known silver emissions of Odovacar issued in

the name of Zeno,47

with the bust being inspired by Constantinian issues, as also

suggested by Wroth.48

These issues were perhaps minted on the occasion of the

1250th anniversary of the foundation of Rome. According to Arslan these

emissions should be ascribed to the productions of Athalaric since they were

minted with a lighter weight standard, compared to the heavy weight standard that

had been used for the emissions of the she-wolf.

183. Metlich 76b

This type bears the reverse image of an eagle but also shows an officina mark on

the reverse, below the exergual line.49

47 RIC X, 3623 and 3624 (Milan), 3647and 3648 (Ravenna). 48 BZ3, xxxii. 49 Metlich 2004, 50.


57

Mint mark •Γ•

MB ID: 1908,0506.9; 1904,0511.453

The officina mint mark is similar, but the letter Γ is turned at a different angle,

perhaps only a casual occurrence and likely not to have been the mark of a

different officina.

With mint mark •(Δ)•

BM ID: 1904,0604.598; 1904,0511.452

With mint mark •Є•

BM ID: 1904,0511.455; 1951,1115.2819

With mint mark •϶•

BM ID: B.12379; 1893,1007.39

With mint mark •A•

BM ID: 1908,0506.10; B.12380; 1904,0511.454; 1856,0816.84

The mint mark letter A is slightly different in the four specimens present in the

collection, but this is perhaps likely due to the work of different engravers.

With mint mark •II•

BM ID: B.12381

184. Metlich 82a

This type shows on the reverse the image of the she-wolf with suckling twins with

the mark of value XL placed above it and the officina mint mark in the exergue,

from A, P and I to V. Three numerals in the exergue are recorded for examples in

the British Museum’s collection: III, IIII and V.

Illegible officina mark

BM ID: B.12386

Mint mark •III•

BM ID: B.12383

Mint mark •IIII•

BM ID: 1904,0511.456; 1904,0511.457

Mint mark •V•

BM ID: B.12384; B.12385

185. Metlich 82b

In this issue the officina mark in the exergue is placed between two stars. Not


20 nummi

The 20 nummi emissions bear on the obverse the effigy of Rome with helmeted

bust and the inscription INVICTA ROMA. On the reverse one type bears the image

of two eagles at either side of a tree, a fig tree or a palm, and a second type shows

the image of the she-wolf with the suckling twins. According to Arslan, this issue

was minted during the time of Theoderic.


58

186. Metlich 83a

BM ID: 1906,1103.323; 1904,0604.600

Two coins belong to this type, with the two eagles looking backwards towards each

other, with the mark of value XX in the exergue.

187. Metlich 83b

BM ID: B.12382; 1847,1108.381; B.7679

The three coins belonging to this type are characterized by eagles that are three -

quarter facing. On the exergue the mark of value XX within two dots, •XX• is

visible.

188. Metlich 84a

BM ID: B.12387; B.12388

This issue bears the officina mark above the she-wolf and suckling twins between

two stars and has the value XX in the exergue. The two coins show no obvious

officina mark between the two stars and probably share the same die on the

obverse.

Officina mark *I*

BM ID: B.12389

189. Metlich 84b

BM ID: B.12390

In this variant, the officina mark is substituted by a Christogram.

FELIX RAVENNA

10 nummi

The 10 nummi emissions bear on the obverse the crowned and turreted effigy of

Ravenna with earrings and necklace alongside the inscription FELIX RAVENNA.

The reverse was minted in three different issues: the one believed to be the

earliest shows an eagle between two stars and a letter/numeral X in the exergue.50

The second issue has the monogram of the city within a wreath bound by the

letter/numeral X, recognized in two variants, with or without a cross above the

monogram. The third issue shows Victory holding a wreath and palm walking to the

left, between the letters R and V, an indication of the mint of Ravenna.

190. Metlich 77

BM ID: 1853,0716.326; 1844,0425.1780

These two coins maintain the features that are typical of this type with only stylistic

differences between the two. Also visible is the use of the letter Λ in place of the

letter A.

50 Most scholars have considered the letter X as a Roman numeral indicative of the value of the coin (see for example Stahl 2012). However Arslan disputed this, pointing out that the X is also used in the w reaths of silver coinage (Arslan 2011, 374, n. 79 w ith bibliography).


59

191. Metlich 78a

BM ID: B.12378

This type shows on the reverse the monogram of the city of Ravenna without any

particular feature or detail.

192. Metlich 78a var. 1

BM ID: RPK,p304.2.Rav; 1844,0425.1758

In this variant the letter R in the monogram is characterized by a small grapheme

shaped like a letter ‘v’ placed between the two legs of the letter. In this particular

type the letter/numeral X is somewhat detached from the wreath it is intended to

tie, in a style that is different from that of the other coins.


BM ID: 1847,1108.382

In this variant a small dot is placed below the monogram. This is not a casual

addition, as it is also evident in another example on a coin from Classe, near

Ravenna.51


BM ID: 1849,0717.255

In this variant a dot is placed between the letters of the monogram. Once again,

this is not a casual addition as it is also evident in nine coins from Classe, near

Ravenna.52

195. Metlich 78b

BM ID: EH,p.47.2.Rav

This type is characterized by a cross placed above the monogram and the small

grapheme in the shape of a letter ‘v’ placed between the legs of the letter R.

196. Metlich 81


51 Baldi 2013, 104. 52 Ibid.

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