Tremissis - Liutprand and Scauniperga in the name of Justinian II
| Issuer | Benevento |
|---|---|
| Year | 751-755 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Tremissis = ⅓ Solidus |
| Currency | Solidus (668-897) |
| Composition | Electrum |
| Weight | 1.36 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | BMC Vandal#1, CNI XVIII#11 |
| Obverse description | Crowned, draped, and bearded bust holding cross and surrounded by legend. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
D N - IVN PP (Translation: Our Lord, Justinian, perpetual (August).) |
| Reverse description | Cross with letter to the left and to the right, all surrounded by legend. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
VITIRA AGVTI S - L CONOB (Translation: Victory to the August. Scauniperga and Liutprand. Constantinople.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (751-755) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1599603850 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context:This Beneventan Tremissis (751-755) reflects 8th-century Italy's complex political identity. Issued by the powerful Lombard Duchy, it names Lombard King Liutprand and Scauniperga, yet invokes the long-deceased Byzantine Emperor Justinian II. This anachronism highlights Benevento's unique position under Duke Gisulf II: asserting Lombard autonomy while acknowledging a symbolic imperial legitimacy. The coin embodies the fragmented authority and cultural synthesis of the period, as Lombard power consolidated against weakening Byzantine influence and the rising Papacy.
Artistry:The tremissis's artistry is characteristic of a local Beneventan mint. While based on Byzantine imperial prototypes, execution shows a "barbarized" or simplified aesthetic. The obverse features a stylized, frontal bust of Justinian II, rendered with linear features and reduced volumetric detail, typical of early medieval artistic decline. The reverse often depicts a cross potent on steps or a simplified Victory figure, prioritizing symbolic recognition. Abbreviated or semi-literate inscriptions further underscore the local workshop's interpretation.
Technical/Grading:Struck in electrum (1.36 gg, 15 mm), this tremissis exhibits technical qualities common to early medieval coinage. High-points for wear include the emperor's crown, nose, and chin on the obverse, and the cross's central elements or tips on the reverse. The strike is frequently off-center or uneven, a consequence of rudimentary hand-striking. Irregular flans and weak strikes are common, sometimes obscuring legends. Electrum composition often yields a less lustrous surface than purer gold, and minor planchet flaws are not uncommon, reflecting metallurgical challenges.