Catalog
| Issuer | Burgundian Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Year | 473-516 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Solidus (3) |
| Currency | Tremissis (473-532) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.41 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | MEC I#336, Belfort#2241 |
| Obverse description | Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust holding spear over shoulder, all surrounded by legend. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
D N ANASTA - SIVS PR AVC (Translation: Dominus Noster Anastasius Perpetuus Augustus Our Lord, Anastasius, perpetual August) |
| Reverse description | Winged Victory facing left while holding cross with monogram in front and star behind, all surrounded by legend. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
VICTORI - A AVCCC GVB CONOB (Translation: Victoria Augustus / Constantinople Victory of the August / Constantinople) |
| Edge | Smooth. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (473-516) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 5367204980 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This solidus, issued by the Burgundian Kingdom (473-516) in Lyon, bears the name of Eastern Roman Emperor Anastasius I. It exemplifies post-Roman Gaul's complex political landscape. The Burgundians, a Germanic foederati kingdom, asserted sovereignty by controlling gold coinage, a crucial economic and symbolic act. Using Anastasius’s name, rather than their own, reflects a strategic acknowledgment of distant imperial authority, legitimizing their local rule and providing stable currency during a period of profound transition.
Artistry: The coin's design adheres to the "pseudo-imperial" stylistic school, characteristic of early medieval Germanic successor states. The anonymous Burgundian engraver, working from Byzantine prototypes, rendered the obverse bust of Anastasius I with simplified, stylized execution compared to official imperial issues. The reverse features a standing Victory or Angel holding a long cross, a standard Byzantine motif. While recognizable, the artistry exhibits a provincial interpretation, marked by less refined details and a more linear representation, yet retaining essential imperial prestige elements.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a 4.41 gram, 21 millimeter gold flan, this solidus exhibits typical early medieval minting characteristics. High-points for wear or strike quality include the emperor’s diadem and facial features on the obverse, and the wings, head, and cross on the reverse. The strike is often less precise than official Byzantine issues, potentially showing areas of flatness or weak impression. Flan shape can be irregular, and centering may vary. The critical Burgundian monogram (MEC I#336, Belfort#2241) distinguishes it from imperial issues.