...and I got it for cheap (as far as how much these types usually go for, though). I'm not expecting much love for it, but for those into monogrammed coins of the late Roman/early Byzantine era, this one will probably be interesting. This is an Ostrogothic nummus, struck in Eastern Roman emperor Justinian I's name, with a variation of King Athalaric's (grandson and successor to Theodoric the Great) monogram on the reverse. As I mentioned on another thread, the Ostrogoths in Italy paid homage to and recognized the superiority of the Byzantine Roman emperors in Constantinople by striking coins in their name. On paper, the king was governing Italy as the emperor's representative, but in practice was ruling an independent kingdom. Athalaric (in the name of Justinian I), Ostrogothic king (reigned 526-534 AD) AE nummus Obv: IVSTINIANI (or similar legend), pearl diademed, cuirassed bust right Rev: Monogram of Athalaric within wreath Rome mint Ref: BMC 49 7 mm wide
Are you sure the backward S at the top of the monogram isn't a regular S? I'm just looking at your diagram and those two features don't match up.
It probably is. From the original photo it looks like part of a retrograde S but in hand I dont really see anything. Also, its possible that all the variations of Athalaric's monogram haven't been discovered yet, and mine could be a new variety.
Regardless of the variety, I imagine the monogram is the key when looking for these coins. The major elements of yours are quite clear.
Have you read this brief but interesting paper? http://www.academia.edu/3734917/Boys_to_Men_Procopius_Digression_on_Athalarics_Education
Nice, I've been watching a beautiful monogram issue (can't remember the issuer) from Germany. Sadly, I'm on the wagon.
still an interesting coin VK, for sure. here's my only little monogram coin, a zeno. it's better in hand...but not much.
"Congrats on the ugly pick-up!!" ... sadly, if I had a nickel for everytime I heard that line during my early 20's, I'd have a few nickels
Thanks for the good reception guys. I personally think this coin is a great example about how appearances aren't always everything. No actually. About Athalaric's education, all I know is that the Gothic warrior elite went head-to-head with Athalaric's mother and queen regent Amalasuntha over the kind of education the young king was to receive: a political, philosophical Roman one, or a tough, manly Gothic one, and that Athalaric ended up getting the latter kind. Definitely will be reading your link when I get time.
Here's an article I though was informative and interesting detailing Amalasuntha's and Athalaric's joint rule (also, it has a photo of a better version of my new coin): http://jaysromanhistory.com/romeweb/ladycont/art31.htm
Good read. The whole debate concerning Gothic versus Roman educations seems moot though - as if most of the Caesars throughout Roman history didn't spend their time drinking and womanizing, and worse.
