Catalogo
| Emittente | Salerno, Principality of |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1052-1077 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1 Follis = 1⁄288 Solidus |
| Valuta | Solidus (839-1077) |
| Composizione | Bronze |
| Peso | 2.21 g |
| Diametro | 21 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | MEC XIV#31, CNI XVIII#10, MIR#543 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Bust facing right with legend in front. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Latin |
| Legenda del dritto |
CISVLFV (Translation: Gisulf.) |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Stacked legend. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio |
ME NS EO OCTVB R (Translation: Month of October.) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (1052-1077) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 3830596580 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
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.