Merovingians, Gombaud (Gondovald), Usurper, 581/2-585.

Solidus of 21 Siliquae in the name of Tiberius II Constantine circa 581/2, Marseilles. DN TIb CONS TANT PP (AVC) Diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear in right hand over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif on left arm / VICTORI-A ACCA, cross potent set on step set on globe. M A* above X XI flanking globe. CONOB in exergue. 3,99g. Belfort –; MEC 1 -; Prou –; MEC 1 –; Bernard Chwartz Collection (Part 2, Alde/Crinon, 14 June 2010), 220 (same dies).

Extremely rare, one of two known. Superb.

Provenance:
Dr. Lawrence A. Adams Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group Inventory 876389 (August 2010).
Triton XIX Auction (January 2016), 2202.

During the early Middle Ages only the cities located in the south remained prosperous thanks to the trade around the Mediterranean Sea. Some very rare gold solidi were issued in Marseille. This specimen is an imitation of a solidus of the Byzantine emperor Tiberius II (578-582). It was struck circa 581-582, after the return of Gondovald – a Merovingian prince - from Byzance.