1 Solidus - Witigis / In the name of Justinian I, 527-565 Star to the left
| Emisor | Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Año | 536-539 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | 1 Solidus = 3 Tremissis |
| Moneda | Tremissis (490-553) |
| Composición | Gold |
| Peso | 4.36 g |
| Diámetro | 20 mm |
| Grosor | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Técnica | Hammered |
| Orientación | |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | BMC Vandal#–, MIB I#31, Metlich#p.29 |
| Descripción del anverso | Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust holding spear over shoulder, all surrounded by legend. |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del anverso |
D N IVSTINI - LNVS PF AVC (Translation: Dominus Noster Justinian Perpetuus Augustus Our Lord, Justinian, perpetual August) |
| Descripción del reverso | Winged Victory facing left while holding cross, all with star to the left and surrounded by legend. |
| Escritura del reverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del reverso |
VICTORI - A AVCCC I COMOB (Translation: Victoria Augustus / Constantinople Victory of the August / Costantinople) |
| Canto | Smooth. |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (536-539) I - Struck in Ravenna - |
| ID de Numisquare | 1744790830 |
| Información adicional |
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Historical Context: This 1 Solidus coin, issued by the Ostrogothic Kingdom between 536 and 539, bears the name of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, but was minted under the authority of the Ostrogothic King Witigis. This period falls squarely within the tumultuous Gothic War (535-554), a brutal conflict for control of Italy. By minting in Justinian's name, Witigis acknowledged the Emperor's theoretical suzerainty while simultaneously asserting Ostrogothic sovereignty and maintaining economic stability through adherence to established imperial monetary standards. The "Star to the left" likely served as a subtle Ostrogothic mint mark or differentiator during this complex political standoff.
Artistry: The design of this solidus closely emulates contemporary Byzantine prototypes, a common practice among Germanic successor kingdoms seeking legitimacy. The obverse typically features a diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Justinian I, often facing right or frontally. The reverse commonly depicts Victory standing left or frontally, holding a long cross, with the distinctive "Star to the left" in the field. While adhering to Byzantine iconography, Ostrogothic issues can sometimes exhibit a slightly more stylized or less refined engraving compared to their imperial counterparts, reflecting local minting practices rather than a distinct artistic school.
Technical/Grading: Struck in gold, this solidus conforms to the imperial weight standard of 4.36 grams and measures 20 millimeters, underscoring its intended use in international commerce. Key high-points susceptible to wear include the emperor's diadem, hair, and the details of the cuirass on the obverse, and Victory's head, wings, and the intricate design of the cross on the reverse. Strike quality can vary; while many examples exhibit strong strikes with clear legends and devices, some may show minor off-centering or areas of flatness typical of early medieval minting, though the gold purity generally remained high.