Lot 4638
Ostrogoths or Gepids. Gold Solidus (4.4g), ca. AD 520-540. Imitating Byzantine types of Justinian I (527-565). DN7VSTII4I ANVSPFAVC - letters widely spaced; pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed Justinian bust ¾ r., spear over shoulder. The spear disjointed on left side and again at hand. Uneven curve lines on helmet and erratic beading. Reverse: VICTOai AAV<<< -- letters widely spaced; Victory standing left, "one-legged", holding long cross with irregular cross bars, her foot on the last letter of the mint signature, crude star before and behind, broken exergual line; CONOB (or D) in ex. The crude style of the types makes attribution lean more toward a Gepid or other North Balkan imitation. The lettering and overall style, though suggests more an Ostrogothic origin. An interesting and rare barbaric imitation. Small old test scrape on reverse. Choice Very Fine.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
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| Realized $2,874 |
