Merovingian, Orleans, circa 620-640 AD. AV Tremissis 1.23g, Angiulfus moneyer. Obverse a diademed head, reverse a cross set on globe. The story of the Franks is an epic tale encompassing the barbarian migrations and fall of the Empire and leading eventually to the foundations of medieval Europe. The Merovingian Franks were followed by the Carolingian Franks which started with the coronation of Charlemagne. This simple but evocative tremissis captures barbarian art mixing with Christian symbology. Fascinating on many levels. A small hoard of Merovingian gold was found at Sutton Hoo indicating trade with the Anglo-Saxons and helping to date the burial. Dating of Sutton Hoos is interpreted to be early 7th century (possibly King Raedwald) which is contemporaneous with these coins, though I do not think this type was found in the ship burial. Cheers! Horsa
Nice coin! I just read about Angiulfus in Peter Spufford's Money and its Use in Medieval Europe. Have you tried viewing the coin obliquely? Scroll to bottom of this essay to see images. http://metamedia.stanford.edu/projects/SeeingThePast/324
Thats a new one for me and a fascinating idea. I shall give the tremissis the oblique viewing analysis tonight. Apologies I managed to post the photo of the reverse upside down so clearly oblqiue viewing will be a quantum leap for me.
Wow, Horsa => what a simple, yet absolutely gorgeous lil' coin!! (congrats!!) Oh, and "welcome" ... yup, "cheers" Sadly, I don't yet have any gold coins in my collection, but I do have a Carolingian Denar (does that allow me to join your show?) CAROLINGIANS. Charles le Chauve (the Bald). As Charles II, King of West Francia, AR Denar 840-877 AD Diameter: 20 mm Weight: 1.56 grams Obverse: Without mint signature (Orléans). + CΛRLVS REX FR, cross pattée with pellet in each quarter Reverse: XPISTIΛNΛ RELIGIO, temple Reference: Coupland, Early group D, pl. 23, 43-7; M&G 1159; MEC 1, 846-9
That is a fantastic coin Stevex6. Well centered and clear details. I approve indeed! Do you have any historical details for this coin - what the symbology is, the numerals etc. Was Charles really bald. Presumably West Francis is roughly modern France and East France is roughly Germany??
Horsa => thanks for the coin-compliment ... Rather than copy my Carolingians-info onto your cool thread, I'm merely gonna post the link to my Carolingians thread, okay? http://www.cointalk.com/threads/ancients-medieval-charles-le-chauve-chuck-the-bald.237359/ => oh and again, that is a sweet new coin, Horsa!! (I'm jealous)
