THE OSTROGOTHS
Theoderic, 493-526
Pseudo-Imperial Coinage. In the name of Zeno, 474-491 . Solidus, Mediolanum, 493-526, AV 4.38 g. DN ZENO – PE – RP AVC (AV ligate) Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, three-quarters r., holding spear and decorated shield with horseman and fallen enemy motif. Rev. VICTOR – I – A AVCCC Victory standing l., holding long jewelled cross; in r. field, star, in l., Q and on sides, M – D. In exergue, COMOB. BMC Vandals –. Kraus –. Urlich-Bansa –. Lacam pl. 57, 61 (this coin). MEC I, –. RIC 3604 (this coin).
Extremely rare. Good extremely fine
Ex Sotheby’s 17 November 1989, 155, and and M. Dürr - R. Michel 8 November 1999, Lacam, 253 sales. Lacam has interpreted the letter at the feet of the Victory as the initial of Theoderic. In the Autumn of 489, Mediolanum was occupied by Theoderic but Odovacar then reconquered it the following year. Only after the battle at the river Adda, could Theoderic oblige his opponent to retreat to Ravenna, pushing the Roman senate to side with himself. It is likely that this coin was struck during the months following the battle, before the death of Zeno on 11th April 491, when Theoderic could take advantage of Roma and Mediolanum mints in the name of the emperor.