THE OSTROGOTHS
Athalaric, 526-534
Pseudo-Imperial Coinage. In the name of Justin I, 518-527 . Quarter siliqua, Ravenna (?) 526-527, AR 0.67 g. DN IVSTI – NVS P AVC Pearl-diademed and draped bust r. Rev. DN / ATHA / LARI / CVS; all within wreath. BMC Vandals 28. Kraus 36. MIB 52a. MEC I, –. Metlich 57a (this coin cited).
Light iridescent tone and very fine
Ex NAC Autumn 95 sale, 1995, 720.
A rare issue in the name of Justin and missing the Rex title. These coins are considered to be the first struck by Athalaric during the first months of his reign. The omission of the Rex title indicates that the striking took place before his election to king of the Ostrogoths and Constantinopolis’ recognition of this event. It is during the reign of Athalaric that this type of reverse was introduced, presumably to distinguish it from the half siliquae. The same type continues under Theodahad.