© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
1 Solidus - Witigis / In the name of Justinian I, 527-565 Ravenna
| Gold | 4.30 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|---|---|
| King | Witigis (536-540) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 536-540 |
| Value | 1 Solidus = 3 Tremissis |
| Currency | Tremissis (490-553) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.30 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#153126 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Winged Victory facing left while holding globe mounted by Christogram, all with star to the left and surrounded by legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VICTORI - A AVCCC I
CONOB
Unabridged legend: Victoria Augustus / Constantinople
Translation: Victory of the August / Costantinople
Edge
Plain
Comment
There are only four examples of this type known, each struck with a different die. Of those four, two are in museums.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during the reign of Witigis, the last king of the Ostrogothic Kingdom, who ruled from 536 to 540 AD. Despite being made of gold, the coin weighs only 4.30 grams, which is relatively light compared to other gold coins of the time. This may indicate that the Ostrogothic Kingdom was facing economic challenges during Witigis' reign, and had to debase its currency to meet the demand for coinage.