Catalogo
| Emittente | Vandal Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Anno | 440-490 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1 Nummus = 1/10 Denarius (0.1) |
| Valuta | Denarius (440-534) |
| Composizione | Bronze |
| Peso | 0.47 g |
| Diametro | 10 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | BMC Vandal#68 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust facing right. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Palm tree with multiple fruits on either side. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | |
| Legenda del rovescio | |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (440-490) - Three fruits on either side. - ND (440-490) - Two fruits on either side. - |
| ID Numisquare | 4794476030 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This nummus originates from the nascent Vandal Kingdom in North Africa, specifically Carthage, following its capture by Gaiseric in 439 CE. Issued between 440-490 CE, it marks the period of Vandal consolidation and their establishment as a formidable Mediterranean power. These small bronzes signify the Vandalic assertion of monetary sovereignty, adapting the late Roman nummus denomination for local commerce within their new kingdom, reflecting a pragmatic continuity of economic structures.
Artistry: The engraver of this piece remains anonymous, typical of Vandalic issues which often display varied stylistic competency. The design, featuring a palm tree, draws upon a deeply rooted Carthaginian iconographic tradition, symbolizing prosperity and local identity. This choice reflects a strategic appropriation of existing local symbolism by the Vandal rulers. Stylistically, the coin aligns with a late Roman provincial or early "barbaric" school, characterized by highly stylized, simplified forms, yet retaining recognizable elements.
Technical/Grading: With a diminutive diameter of 10mm and a weight of 0.47 grams, this bronze nummus presents significant challenges for striking quality. High-points for the palm tree design typically include the central trunk and the tips of the fronds. Vandalic bronze coinage is frequently characterized by irregular flans, off-center strikes, and weak impressions, often obscuring full design details or legends. Collectors should anticipate variable strike quality, with well-centered examples being scarcer.