This is a recent addition to my Ostrogoth collection. This is a very Roman inspired coin with the style of dress, especially the helmet and the reverse with a victory on a prow. Most striking, is the S-C across the reverse. This is the abbreviation for SENATVS CONSVLTO; which means by permission of the Roman senate. In this case, it is merely a nod to Roman traditions as Theodahad did not need senatorial approval. Because of this though, this coin is sometimes referred to as the last sestertius. Theodahad A.D. 534-536 Æ Follis (40 nummi) (25mm 9.5g) Rome mint. D N THEODA–HATVS REX; bust of Theodahad right wearing spangenhelm and "ostrogothic" garment with cross on chest. VICTORIA–PRINCIPV[M]; Victory standing on prow r., holding palm in left and wreath in right; across fields S– C. MIB 81; MEC 141; COI 89b This coin was the largest Ostrogothic coin produced, while the coin below was the smallest. Baduila (Totila) A.D. 541- 552 2 or 2½ Nummi. 1/350 lb (8mm 0.6g). Rome mint. D N B [...], Helmeted and mantled bust facing / Lion standing right. COI 99; MIB –; MEC 1, –. and for comparison, sitting on a US dime
That's a great coin. Fascinating that he put the "S/C" on the reverse, especially since the Romans themselves hadn't done that for what, a couple centuries?
A few years earlier, Athalaric issued a smaller coin also with S-C on the reverse. Two examples below, the first is the "fine" style with an alternate spelling of Atalaricus and the second is the "crude" style. Athalaric. A.D. 526- 534 Æ Decanummium (1/100th pound) (18mm 3.2g) Rome mint. INVICTA ROMA, helmeted and cuirassed (Gorgon? on chest) bust of Roma right. D N ATALARICVS S-C, Athalaric in military attire, standing right and holding spear and shield, X (mark of value) in field. COI 85b (fine style); MIB 77; MEC 132. variety with ATALARICVS versus ATHALARICVS Athalaric. A.D. 526- 534 Æ Decanummium (18mm 2.1gm) Rome mint. INVICTA ROMA, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Roma right. D N ATHALARICVS S-C, Athalaric in military attire, standing right and holding spear, X (mark of value) in field. COI 85a (crude style); MIB 77; MEC 132. From the WRG Collection. Ex Empire Coins FPL 26 (February 1985), no. F249; John W. Garrett Collection (Part II, Numismatic Fine Arts & Leu, 16 October 1984), lot 506; purchased from W. Raymond, 19 September 1920 for $4.50.
