© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
42 Nummi Countermark; As of Galba, 68-69; Libertas
| Bronze | 9.62 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 501-533 |
| Value | 42 Nummi = 1⁄12 Siliqua = 1⁄96 Tremissis |
| Currency | Tremissis (490-553) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 9.62 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered, Countermarked |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#166640 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Libertas standing holding sceptre and pileus, all surrounded by legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
LIBERTAS PVBLICA
S - C
Translation:
Libertas Publica / Senatus Consulto
Freedom of the People / By Decree of the Senate
Edge
Plain
Comment
These countermarked coins came in two denominations: 42 Nummi and 83 Nummi. While their values are quite odd in comparison to other Ostrogothic coins, these coins were not intended to be used as general nummus pieces, but rather fractions of the Siliqua (1/12 and 1/6 of one, respectively). While these denominations in nummi are not perfectly divisible by the equivalent values in siliquae, these values are as close to the proper divisions as possible.The host coin for this piece is a Rome mint, 1 As struck under Galba (68-69), and these were said to be countermarked in the early- to mid-6th century. With the Ostrogothic Kingdom falling in 553, that is the latest possible end-date.
Around 150 countermarked coins are known, with the vast majority being found in Italy. Because the host coins were minted hundreds of years before the countermarks were applied, it is suggested that a hoard of these host coins were found, which prompted some local mint in Ostrogothic Italy to start countermarking them.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, on its countermark. This suggests that the Ostrogothic Kingdom, which issued the coin, placed a high value on the idea of liberty and may have used this imagery as a way to promote their own political ideology.
