1 Tremissis In the name of Maurice Tiberius, Messy bust

Historical Context: This gold tremissis, issued by the Duchy of Tuscany between 620 and 700, reflects early medieval Italy's fragmented political landscape. Though bearing Byzantine Emperor Maurice Tiberius's name (582-602), its later date places it within the Lombard period. Such "ghost issues" underscore Byzantine coinage's enduring prestige while local Lombard dukes asserted autonomy. This coin is vital for understanding the decentralized monetary system and the interplay of Byzantine legacy with emerging Lombard power.

Artistry: The "messy bust" on this tremissis is characteristic of early medieval Western European coinage's artistic decline in imitation issues. Local Tuscan engravers produced dies with simplified, crude, and often disproportionate features for the obverse imperial portrait. This "barbaric" stylistic school prioritized recognition over realistic detail, departing from classical numismatic traditions. The reverse typically featured a Christian symbol, like a cross, rendered with similar abstraction, conveying a more symbolic, less naturalistic representation.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold, this tremissis measures approximately 15 mm and weighs 1.51 grams, adhering to general specifications. High-points for wear, such as the emperor's nose or diadem, and the reverse cross center, may be poorly defined even on well-preserved examples due to the "messy bust" style. Technical strike qualities often include irregular flans, weak strikes, or off-center alignment, indicative of less sophisticated minting. The BMC Vandal reference suggests a shared numismatic context for these early medieval gold issues.