1 Tremissis - Witigis / In the name of Justinian I, 527-565 Ravenna

Historical Context: This gold tremissis, struck in Ravenna between 536 and 540, serves as a poignant numismatic artifact from the tumultuous reign of Witigis, King of the Ostrogoths. Issued in the name of the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I, it underscores the complex political realities of the Gothic War. Despite actively resisting Byzantine reconquest, Witigis strategically maintained the fiction of imperial authority on his coinage, legitimizing his rule over the Roman populace in Italy and asserting continuity with established Roman traditions.

Artistry: The design of this tremissis closely emulates contemporary Byzantine prototypes, a hallmark of Ostrogothic coinage from the Ravenna mint. The obverse typically features a diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Justinian I, rendered in a style that, while aiming for imperial likeness, often exhibits a slightly more linear or stylized interpretation characteristic of Western mints. The reverse commonly depicts a winged Victory advancing right, holding a wreath and globus cruciger, symbolizing imperial triumph, with the mintmark CONOB in the exergue, affirming the gold's purity.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a flan measuring approximately 15mm and weighing 1.43 grams, this tremissis adheres to the established imperial weight standard. Key high-points for grading include the emperor's diadem, nose, and hair on the obverse, and Victory's head, wings, and wreath details on the reverse. Typical strike qualities for this period can vary, often showing some degree of off-centring or minor die wear. The intrinsic value of the gold ensured its widespread acceptance and durability.