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42 Nummi Countermark, As of Claudius, 41-54
| Issuer | Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Year | 501-553 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Libertas standing facing, holding a pileus (freedom cap) and a vindicta (rod), encircled by a Latin legend. The senatorial SC mark (Senatus Consulto) appears divided on either side of the central figure, confirming the coin's authorization by decree of the Roman Senate. The reverse design follows the standard Claudian As typology, though detail is obscured by wear and the effects of long secondary circulation under Ostrogothic reuse. |
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| Reverse lettering | LIBERTAS AVGVSTA S - C (Translation: Libertas Augusta / Senatus Consulto Freedom of the August / By Decree of the Senate) |
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| Additional information |
The Ostrogoths struck no substantial bronze coinage of their own and instead relied on overstruck or countermarked Roman material to meet the needs of circulation in Italy. Reusing worn Claudian asses — already five centuries old by the time Theoderic's administration processed them — was a pragmatic solution to a chronic bronze shortage. The countermark certifying 42 nummi reflects the Ostrogothic numismatic system's direct inheritance from late Roman denominational reckoning.
Claudian asses were apparently abundant enough in Italian soil and hoards to make them a preferred host coin for this practice.