Catalog
| Issuer | Taman, Goths from |
|---|---|
| Year | 275-325 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denier |
| Currency | Denarius (late 3rd/early 4th centuries) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 2.52 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) |
| Obverse description | Stylized head facing right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Winged person standing with circle to the left and circle to the right. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (275-325) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 7873149650 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1 Denarius, issued by the Goths from the Taman region between 275 and 325 CE, offers insight into the late Roman Empire's periphery. During this tumultuous period, Gothic tribes established themselves along the Black Sea coast, interacting with Roman authority. The issuance of a "Denarius" module, even in billon, signifies an attempt to mimic Roman monetary systems for local trade or as a symbol of emerging tribal autonomy. The absence of a specific ruler suggests a communal or anonymous tribal issuance, reflecting decentralized authority.
Artistry: The "Circle, circle" designation strongly suggests an abstracted, anepigraphic design, characteristic of the "barbaric imitation" stylistic school prevalent among Germanic peoples. Lacking sophisticated Roman portraiture, the design likely features simplified geometric patterns, perhaps concentric