1 Tremissis - Desiderius Vercelli

Historical Context: This 1 Tremissis was issued by Desiderius (757-774), the final independent king of the Lombards. His reign marked the twilight of the Lombard Kingdom in Italy, a period of escalating tensions with the Papacy and the Franks under Charlemagne. Struck at the Vercelli mint, this coin represents a poignant historical artifact, witnessing the final moments of Lombard sovereignty before its absorption into the Carolingian Empire in 774, fundamentally reshaping early medieval Italy.

Artistry: The engraver of this tremissis remains anonymous, typical for early medieval coinage. The stylistic school is distinctly Lombardic, departing from classical realism towards a more abstract, simplified aesthetic. The obverse features a stylized bust, often crude, with the king's name, DESIDERIUS REX. The reverse commonly displays a cross potent on steps, sometimes with a mint signature like VERCELLIS. These designs reflect evolving artistic conventions, prioritizing symbolic representation over naturalistic depiction, characteristic of post-Roman Germanic coinage.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold, this tremissis weighs approximately 1.006 grams and measures 19 millimeters. Key high-points for wear include the king's facial features/diadem on the obverse, and the central elements of the cross or steps on the reverse. Technically, these coins often exhibit characteristics typical of early medieval minting: irregular flans, variable centering, and uneven strike pressure. Planchet quality can vary, showing minor laminations. A full, well-centered strike with clear legends is rare, making such examples highly prized.