Catalog
1 Denarius Cross, circle
| Issuer | Goths (Taman Peninsula) |
|---|---|
| Year | 275-325 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Reverse displays a crude, schematic design comprising a central cross or cruciform element flanked by simplified, abstracted figures or symbols, possibly a stylized horse or animal and a geometric motif. The design is deeply struck in a barbaric imitative style, with bold incuse lines delineating the principal elements. The field is flat and uneven, typical of hammered billon issues of Gothic origin. No legible inscription or legend is present. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Plain (irregular) |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
The so-called "Denarius Cross" issues attributed to Gothic groups on the Taman Peninsula represent some of the least-understood coinage of the late third and early fourth centuries. These pieces were struck by Gothic or allied barbarian populations operating in the Bosporan sphere, likely imitating degraded Roman and Bosporan currency that had collapsed in silver content to near-zero by the 270s. The circle and cross reverse type appears across multiple die groupings, suggesting decentralized production rather than a single controlled mint.