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coin
Object Type
coin
Museum number
1863,0711.16
Denomination
solidus
Description
Gold coin.
(whole)
Helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust of Anastasius I, facing, shouldering spear and holding shield.
(obverse)
Victory standing left, holding long cross.
(reverse)
State
Associated with:
Visigothic Kingdom
Europe: Visigothic Kingdom
Authority
Ruler:
Anastasius I
Cultures/periods
Gallo-Visigothic
Production date
491-518
(Probably, early in this reign.)
Production place
Minted in:
Gaul
(Southern Gaul)
Materials
gold
Dimensions
Die-axis:
6 o'clock
Diameter:
20 millimetres
Weight:
4.39 grammes
$Inscriptions
Curator's comments
This coin is considered by Lafaurie as Merovingian in character. However, the find spots in Haute Garonne, Gers and Vendee, can be associated as well with the Visigothic Kingdom. Above all, this isue, considered by all to be Gallic in character, does not match with any proved Merovingian parallel. The good style of this coin and the presence of an officina letter (E) seems to indicate that this issue was produce early in the reign of Anastasius and before the following issues with a cruder style which can be seen in B 10322 and the Chinon hoard. The Lot number 1320 of the Auction of the Comptoir Général Financier, the 30 April 2008 is a very similar specimen, although presenting ΛCVSTORVME as a legend in the reverse.
Bibliographic references
Lafaurie & Pilet-Lopez 2003 / Monnaies du Haut Moyen Âge découvertes en France (Ve-VIIIe siècle)
(Cf. 31.33.1; 32.208.1; 85.174.1)
(Solidus considered by Lafaurie as struck by Clovis I. For the unexistence of Merovingian solidi with the name of Anastasius in Gaule see B. 10322 and other similar Visigothic solidi. For the "E" as an officina letter, see also the Comptoir Général Financier, Mail Bid Sale, Auction date: 30 April 2008, Lot number 1320.)
Location
Not on display
Subjects
emperor/empress
allegory/personification
Associated names
Named in inscription & portrayed:
Anastasius I
Named in inscription & portrayed:
Nike/Victoria/Victory
Acquisition name
Purchased from:
Rollin & Feuardent
Acquisition date
1863
Department
Money and Medals
Registration number
1863,0711.16