Catalog
Nummus with cross
| Issuer | Vandal Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Year | 440-484 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 0.69 g |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A plain cross with equal arms occupies the central field, rendered boldly on this small irregular flan. The cross is surrounded by a partially legible or wholly illegible encircling legend, typical of this Vandal nummus series. The design is confined within a beaded or plain border, reflecting the crude workmanship common to these low-denomination hammered bronzes. The overall composition adheres to the Christian iconographic conventions adopted by the Vandal rulers in emulation of late Roman imperial coinage. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
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| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
These tiny bronzes were issued under Geiseric, who sacked Rome in 455 and spent decades terrorizing Mediterranean shipping from his base at Carthage. The Vandals struck no gold or silver in their own name during this period, leaving the nummus — Rome's most debased small change — as the only coin they produced. It is a striking admission that their economy ran on the remnants of late Roman infrastructure rather than anything they built themselves.