1 Tremissis In the name of Anastasius I, Lyon

Historical Context: This Tremissis, issued by the Burgundian Kingdom between 516-518 from the mint at Lyon, represents a fascinating intersection of power dynamics in early 6th-century Gaul. Although struck in the name of the Eastern Roman Emperor Anastasius I (r. 491-518), its issuance by a Germanic kingdom signifies the nominal acknowledgment of imperial authority while simultaneously asserting local sovereignty. This period saw the consolidation of successor kingdoms following the collapse of Roman control in the West, with coinage serving as a crucial tool for legitimization and economic function within their territories.

Artistry: The stylistic execution of this coin reflects the local interpretations of Byzantine prototypes by Burgundian engravers. While attempting to replicate the diademed bust of Anastasius on the obverse and typically a Victory or Angel on the reverse, the artistry often exhibits a more abstract or 'barbarized' quality compared to official imperial issues. Features tend to be simplified, outlines less precise, and details stylized, characteristic of the post-Roman Germanic mints striving to maintain a recognizable, albeit locally adapted, imperial iconography.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 1.46 gg and measuring 14 mm, this gold tremissis adheres closely to the standard weight for the denomination, though slight variations were common. Key high-points for strike quality assessment include the emperor's diadem and hair on the obverse, and the details of the Victory's wings or drapery on the reverse. Common technical observations for such issues include irregular flan shapes, potential off-center strikes, and varying degrees of die wear, all factors influencing its numismatic grade and overall aesthetic appeal.