Grimoald III with Charlemagne
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The Lombards at Beneventum. Grimoald III, with Charlemagne, king of the Franks (788-806). AV Solidus, 788-792 AD. Obv. GRIM - ⧾ - VAL DX, crowned and bearded bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger. Rev. • DOMS - CAR•RX (ligate). Cross potent, cross of four pellets above; G-R across field, pellet to either side of base; beneath, VIC (wedge). CNI p. 154, 1-2; MIR (Italia merid.) 184; LBSI 59;BMC Vandals p. 170.. 3.82 g. 20.50 mm. RR. Very rare and pleasant. Good VF. Grimoald was the younger son of Arichis II and became duke after the death of his father. At the beginning he was a vassal of Charlemagne, the Frankish king, and together they defeated the Byzantines in Sicily, helping Desiderius’ son, Adalgis. Soon after, wishing to maintain his independence, Grimoald III resumed the title of Princeps. (NAC 93, 1335 note).