1 Tremissis In the name of Justinian I, Crossed tassels, straight

Historical Context: This Tremissis, though bearing the name of Justinian I, was struck by the Lombard Kingdom in Italy between 568 and 690 CE. Following their invasion of Italy in 568, the Lombards initially adopted the established Byzantine monetary system, minting coins that imitated imperial prototypes. The continued use of Justinian I's name, long after his death in 565, served as a symbolic link to imperial legitimacy while simultaneously asserting Lombard control over newly conquered territories. This period marks the transition from direct Byzantine rule to the fragmented political landscape of early medieval Italy.

Artistry: The artistry of this Tremissis reflects the imitative nature characteristic of early Lombard coinage. While attempting to replicate Byzantine models, the anonymous local engraver often produced dies with a more stylized and somewhat cruder execution. The "crossed tassels, straight" likely refers to specific design elements on the reverse, typically flanking the central cross, which are simplified or reinterpreted compared to their Byzantine antecedents. This stylistic departure signifies a nascent Lombard identity emerging within the framework of inherited imperial iconography, a hallmark of barbarian successor states.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold, this Tremissis weighs 1.46 grams and measures 18 millimeters, consistent with the standard weight and size for the denomination. Lombard issues are frequently characterized by variable strike quality, often exhibiting irregular flans, minor off-center strikes, and potential weakness in the higher relief areas, such as the emperor's bust on the obverse and the central cross on the reverse. The specific die state and strike pressure would dictate the clarity of intricate details like the "crossed tassels," which can range from sharply defined to somewhat indistinct.