© Numismatik Naumann GmbH
© Numismatik Naumann GmbH
Æ In the name of Crispus
| Bronze | 2.09 g | 16 mm |
| Issuer | Uncertain Germanic tribes |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 325-400 |
| Currency | Solidus (circa 301-750) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 2.09 g |
| Diameter | 16 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#165721 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Two captive sitting on either side of a sign, all surrounded by legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIRTEX - IENCII
VOT
X
S - C
BSIS
Translation:
Virtus Exercitus / Saeculi Felicitas
The bravery of the army / Time of happiness
Edge
Plain
Comment
This coin is said to be struck from the mid-4th to early-5th centuries. With the prototypes for these coins struck in Siscia mint, and with those two types both being first struck in 320, 325 is the most-likely beginning date for this entire type of AE struck by an Uncertain Germanic Tribe.The denominations of bronze coins that are unknown to numismatists are referred to as Æ (AE), followed by the coin's diameter. The Æ part simply means the coin is made of a base alloy, and because the diameter of these coins is never exactly as intended, different numbers can appear after the Æ for the same type.
The exact lettering of the surrounding legend may vary; while some coins have legible legends, the legends of others may have been reduced to basically only lines.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the name "Crispus" which was a common name among the Germanic tribes during that time period. This suggests that the coin may have been issued by a specific tribe or group of tribes, rather than a larger empire or kingdom. Additionally, the fact that it's made of bronze and weighs 2.09g suggests that it was a widely used and circulated coin, likely used for everyday transactions.
