THE OSTROGOTHS
Theoderic, 493-526
Pseudo-Imperial Coinage . In the name of Anastasius, 491-518 . Solidus, Ravenna 493-526, AV 4.52 g. DN ANASTA – SIVS PP AVC Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, three-quarters r., holding spear and decorated shield with horseman and fallen enemy motif. Rev. VICTORI – A AVCCC (monogram of Theodoric) Victory standing l., holding long jewelled cross; in r. field, star, and in exergue, CONOB. BMC Vandals 4 var. Kraus 4 var. Fagerlie 704, 705. MIB I, 131. Lacam –. MEC I, –. Metlich 15.
Very rare. Good extremely fine
Ex Gorny & Mosch sale 102, 2000, 657.
Theoderic struck coins at Roma, Ravenna and Mediolanum but, according Kent (op. cit.), he gave more importance to Roma until it was the only active mint. Most of the coins in that period had mintmarks (RM, RV and MD) but there are also issues without, such as this specimen. The attribution to Ravenna, in this case, is due to the style along with some peculiarities such as the diadem on the obverse and the wings on reverse, but also through die-links with other specimens such as those from the Scandinavian hoards or the specimen in the British Museum.
The only coin with the Ravenna mintmark is BMC 15, which presents the following characteristics: scattered diadem strings, CONOB on the reverse with a perfectly vertical B and the wings of victory composed of horizontal lines. This coin differs not only for the missing mintmark of Ravenna but also for the presence of PP AVG in its legend rather than PF AVC.