THE FRANKS
Theodebert I, 534 – 548
Pseudo-Imperial Coinage. In the name of Justinian I, 527-565 . Solidus, uncertain mint 527-565, AV 4.42 g. DN IVSTINI – LNYS PF Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, three-quarters r., holding spear and decorated shield with horseman and fallen enemy motif. Rev. VICTOR – I – ŸL LVCCC L Victory standing l., holding long jewelled cross; in l. field, star, and in exergue, COMO. BMC Vandals –. Kraus –. MIB I, –. MEC I, – . Metlich p. 25, fig. 15.
Extremely rare and of great numismatic interest. Good very fine.
Ex Sotheby’s, 7 March 1996, 238, and Spink 13 July 2000, Dreesman collection 764 sales.
This coin is described and photographed by Metlich in his work at p. 25, fig. 25 and connected to the King Theodobert. The reason for such a connection is the presence of two dots before A AVCCC, exactly as on the issue bearing his own name (M. Prou, ”Les monnaies merovingiennes”, n. 55 and pl. I, 21).
Theodebert, famous for being the first king of Franks to put his name and effigy on gold coins, notwithstanding his alliance with the Eastern Roman Empire, took advantage of the Gothic War between the Byzantines, led by Belisarius, and the Ostrogoths of Witigis. He crossed the Alps and occupied for a while the Pianura Padana, Liguria and Emilia. It is well possible that at time coins of Ostrogothic type were struck, even if further evidence is needed.