1/2 Siliqua In the name of Anastasius I, Sirmium, large bust with SRW

Emitent Gepid Kingdom
Rok 491-518
Typ Standard circulation coin
Hodnota 1/2 Siliqua
Měna Siliqua (491-567)
Složení Silver
Hmotnost 1.31 g
Průměr 18 mm
Tloušťka
Tvar Round (irregular)
Technika Hammered
Orientace
Rytci
V oběhu do
Reference MIB I#
Popis líce Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust facing right and surrounded by legend.
Písmo líce Latin
Opis líce D N ATT - CPTV P VC
(Translation: Dominus Noster Anastasius Perpetuus Augustus Our Lord, Anastasius, perpetual August)
Popis rubu Legend between two horizontal lines surrounded by more legend.
Písmo rubu Latin
Opis rubu CTOP AAVGGG SRW CONOB
(Translation: Victoria Augustus (Victory to the August) Sirium Constantinople)
Hrana Smooth.
Mincovna
Náklad ND (491-518) SRW - With three dots above the top reverse line -
ND (491-518) SRW - Without dots above the top reverse line -
ID Numisquare 1047912190
Další informace

Historical Context: This Gepid 1/2 Siliqua from Sirmium (491-518 CE) illuminates post-Roman power dynamics. Struck in Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I's name, it reflects the Gepid Kingdom's nominal acknowledgement of imperial suzerainty while asserting local authority through independent minting. Sirmium, a former Roman capital, became a crucial Gepid center. This silver piece signifies the economic integration of Germanic successor states within the broader late antique monetary system, essential for regional commerce after the Western Roman collapse.

Artistry: The "large bust" on this issue exemplifies the "barbarian imitation" stylistic school. Sirmium mint artisans rendered Anastasius I's imperial portrait, typically a diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust. This local interpretation often features a stylized, sometimes cruder, execution compared to official Byzantine issues, yet can display skill. No specific engraver is known. The prominent "SRW" mint mark is a defining epigraphic element, unequivocally identifying the Sirmium origin and adding a distinct local artistic signature.

Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, the clarity and completeness of Anastasius's "large bust" portrait are paramount, especially facial features, diadem, and drapery folds, often weakly struck. Legibility of the obverse legend (DN ANASTASIVS PP AVG) significantly enhances value. On the reverse, the distinctness of the "SRW" mint mark and any accompanying cross or monogram is crucial. Assess overall strike quality, centering, and flan irregularities, common for Gepid issues. Surface preservation, free from significant damage, heavily influences the final grade.

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