© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
1 Solidus - Theoderic / In the name of Zeno, 476-491 Mediolanum/Milan
490 year| Gold | 4.38 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|---|---|
| King | Theoderic the Great (490-526) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 490 |
| Value | 1 Solidus = 3 Tremissis |
| Currency | Tremissis (490-553) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.38 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#152359 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Winged Victory facing left while holding cross, all with star to the left and surrounded by legend.
Scripts: Greek, Latin
Lettering:
VICTORIA AVCCC
M - D
θ
COMOB
Unabridged legend: Victoria Augustus
Translation: Victory of the August
Edge
Plain
Comment
While this coin looks quite similar to the soldius pieces struck by Odovacar under the Herulian Kingdom, the θ on the reverse is an anomaly. One theory suggests the symbol is the initial of Theoderic, who would have struck this coin months after he and the Ostrogoths conquered Mediolanum/Milan in August, 490.Lacam pl. 57, 61 (this coin).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during the reign of Theoderic the Great, who was the king of the Ostrogoths and ruled over a vast territory that included much of Italy, France, and Spain. Despite being issued by a barbarian king, the coin still bore the name of the Eastern Roman Emperor Zeno, indicating the continued influence of the Roman Empire even in the territories that had been conquered by the barbarian tribes. This coin is a reflection of the cultural and political complexities of the time, where different powers and influences coexisted and interacted in complex ways.
