Catalog
| Issuer | Salerno, Principality of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1052-1077 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Follis = 1⁄288 Solidus |
| Currency | Solidus (839-1077) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 2.21 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | MEC XIV#31, CNI XVIII#10, MIR#543 |
| Obverse description | Bust facing right with legend in front. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
CISVLFV (Translation: Gisulf.) |
| Reverse description | Stacked legend. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
ME NS EO OCTVB R (Translation: Month of October.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1052-1077) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 3830596580 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The Follis of Gisulf II (1052-1077) from Salerno is a numismatic artifact marking the final Lombard princely rule in Southern Italy. Gisulf II, the last independent Prince, reigned during intense Norman expansion under Robert Guiscard. His principality, a regional power, fell to Norman conquest in 1077. This bronze follis thus serves as a tangible economic indicator of profound political instability, representing the twilight of an era before complete Normanization.
Artistry: The artistry of this follis, while anonymous, reflects common eleventh-century Southern Italian bronze coinage styles. It blends Byzantine influences with local Lombardic interpretations, prioritizing legibility. The obverse often features a stylized bust of Christ Pantocrator or a saint, rendered frontally. The reverse commonly displays the prince's name or monogram, frequently in a cruciform arrangement, surrounded by a legend. The aesthetic is functional, indicative of coinage for practical local commerce.
Technical/Grading: This 21 mm, 2.21 gram bronze follis often presents typical production flaws. Irregular flan shapes and off-center strikes frequently obscure design or legend elements. High-points, such as Christ's facial features or halo, commonly suffer from weak striking pressure, resulting in flatness. Central reverse elements or outermost legend letters can also be weakly struck or off-flan. A superior example exhibits a strong, even strike with clear legends and discernible iconographic details.