1/4 Siliqua In the name of Justinian I, With stars, curly hair

Emitent Lombardy
Rok 568-690
Typ Standard circulation coin
Hodnota 1/4 Siliqua = 1⁄32 Tremissis
Měna Tremissis (568-690)
Složení Silver
Hmotnost 0.83 g
Průměr 12 mm
Tloušťka
Tvar Round (irregular)
Technika Hammered
Orientace
Rytci
V oběhu do
Reference BMC Vandal#4, MEC I#295, MIB I#78
Popis líce Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust facing right and surrounded by legend.
Písmo líce
Opis líce D N IVSTI - ANVS I I
(Translation: Dominus Noster Justinian Perpetuus Augustus Our Lord, Justinian, perpetual August)
Popis rubu Closed staurogram with a star on either side, all surrounded by a wreath.
Písmo rubu
Opis rubu
Hrana Smooth.
Mincovna
Náklad ND (568-690) - -
ID Numisquare 1525806780
Další informace

Historical Context: This 1/4 Siliqua, issued by the Lombard kingdom in Italy (568-690), is a numismatic echo of preceding Byzantine authority. Though minted decades after Emperor Justinian I's death (565), its legend and iconography retain his name. This pseudo-imperial coinage reflects the Lombards' initial reliance on established monetary systems following their invasion of Italy, signifying a period of political transition and the gradual assertion of their own identity.

Artistry: The coin's design, featuring a bust of Justinian I with distinctive curly hair and accompanying stars, falls within the "barbaric imitation" stylistic school. While emulating Byzantine prototypes, the anonymous Lombardic engraver's hand is evident in the simplified, often schematized imperial portrait. The "curly hair" is a notable stylistic interpretation, and the "stars" likely served as decorative fillers or rudimentary mint marks, typical of these provincial Germanic issues.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this 0.83 gram, 12 mm 1/4 Siliqua typically exhibits irregular flans, often off-center strikes, and variable strike pressure, leading to areas of weakness. High-points for wear include the prominent features of the emperor's bust—the nose, forehead, and "curly hair"—as well as any central reverse motifs. Its small size and light weight are characteristic of fractional silver denominations. References include BMC Vandal#4, MEC I#295, and MIB I#78.

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