Another coin being held for me. My soon-to-be newest acquisition and probably my last purchase of the year (so don't push me off the wagon! -cough- Steve -cough- ). It will be my second Ostrogothic coin featuring the name of a reigning king, the other being my decanummium of Theodahad, Athalaric's successor. Like pretty much every other Ostrogothic coin, this type is very rare, even in this condition. Really very little about him online. This (from Wikipedia) is the most I found in one place: His mother, Amalasuntha, daughter of Theodoric the Great, has more recorded about her: -Both from Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalasuntha) More here: http://jaysromanhistory.com/romeweb...nt/art31.htm Athalaric, Ostrogothic King of Italy (ruled 526-534 AD) AE Decanummium Obv: INVIC-TA ROMA, Roma helmeted, facing right Rev: DN ATHAL-ARICVS, Athalaric, in military outfit, standing, holding spear and shield, SC across fields, X in left field Rome mint (struck 526-534 AD) Ref: BMC Vandals 69, COI 85b If you'll notice, it has the letters SC (for Senatus Consultum) on the reverse, just like Roman coins of the early centuries AD. As I said in another thread, this was to show the renewed influence and prestige the Roman Senate regained under the Ostrogoths.
Deal, Jango => I am also again "back on the wagon" ... That's a very cool coin (oh, and always from a very cool century, where most of the collectors don't wander) ... I have two measely coins from this century, but I'm betting that you have a dozen at least, eh? (very cool, dude ... you rock this area of our ancient-world ... thanks for playin')
I probably have fewer Ostrogothic coins than you VK, but am afraid I have you beat on 6th century coins. Byzantines are very easy to come by from this period, and are pretty interesting unlike say the 8th century. Cool piece. Of course him and a couple of successors are on my list, but like you said they are scarce in any condition. Not 1916 d dime scarce, not gee I don't see one at every coin show scarce, I mean you can search for a few years before you find one for sale for a relatively reasonable price, if then.
This was the first of its type that I've seen for sale in nearly 2 years (unaffordable or affordable), so I know what you mean. Glad I managed to catch this one.
Thanks John! Only wish more remained of the first part of his name on the reverse but I still very much like this example (perhaps the details will be even better in hand? I hope).
Its definitely smaller than I had imagined, but no less interesting for it. It measures 15 mm wide, around the same as a couple of my Felix Ravenna decanummi.
Well it looks like a different coin altogether in your pic - nice shot! The inscription SC is particularly interesting - that it should make a comeback after so many centuries.
Story of the Roman Senate itself basically. Pretty much became a rubber-stamp authority in the last centuries of the Roman Empire. Got back some of its powers under Theodoric the Great, and later continued to function under Byzantine rule until the 600s AD.
Really very interesting coin from a little known (to me at least) ruler. I know very little about this era of (late roman) history, and very much appreciate the enthusiasm with which you VK and others pursue your interests. I have tended to concentrate too much in 1st-2nd century Roman coinage, which I guess is where most beginners concentrate, and have dedicated little attention to this era. Very interesting and a nice and apparently very scarce coin. Congratulations.
