Description
Ostrogoths, Theodoric (AD 518-526)
Gold Solidus, in the name of Justin I (AD 518-527), Rome.
Obverse: Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed, facing bust of emperor, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman spearing a fallen enemy, DN IVSTI-NVS P F AVG.
Reverse: Victory standing left, holding cross-topped sceptre, star in left field, VICTOR-I-AAVGGGA, COMOB in exergue. Good extremely fine. Rare.
(MIB 24; BMC 12-14)
4.41g.
Ex CNG Auction 50, 23/06/1999, Lot #1779
Ex Goldberg 53, 26/05/2009, Lot #1950 (Christov Family Collection)
Ex CNG Triton XIII, 05/01/2010, Lot #441
This gold solidus reflects the Ostrogoths as rulers of Italy. Theodoric and his forces were sent by the Byzantine Emperor Zeno to depose the ruler of Italy, Odoacer, and rule as subordinates of Byzantium. Gold Solidi were struck in the name of the Byzantine rulers of the time, but for all intents and purposes, Italy was under Ostrogothic control.
