THE OSTROGOTHS
Theodahad, 534-536
Pseudo-Imperial Coinage. In the name of Justinian I, 527-565. Follis (40 nummi), Roma 534-536, Æ 9.10 g. DN THEODA – HATVS REX Helmeted and curaissed bust r. Rev. VICTORIA – PRINCIPVM Victory standing on prow r., holding in l. hand palm, and wreath in r.: in field, S – C on sides. BMC Vandals 19. Kraus 29. MIB 81. MEC I, 143. Metlich 89b (C1-L14, this coin).
Rare. Dark green patina and about extremely fine
Ex NAC 3, 1990, 151; M&M list 540, 1991, 71 and Künker 121, 2007, De Wit, 117 sales.
The most important of Theodahad’s innovations was the introduction of the king’s portrait on coins. Excluding the gold medallion of Theoderic, this is the first representation of an Ostrogothic ruler: on the obverse, Theodahad on the r., wearing royal garments, and on the reverse, a Victory on prow, a typical old Roman type.