Dea Moneta
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Banner Artemide 63E
Lot # 650
Ostrogothic Italy, Amalasuntha (534-535). AR Quarter Siliqua. In the name of Justinian I. Ravenna, AD 534-535. Obv. D N I[VSTI]NIAN AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right. Rev. Monogram of Theoderic (no cross above) within wreath. COI 64 (Witigis); Ranieri 304; MIB 59 (Witigis) ; MEC 1, 138; Ladich 12 (Witigis); BMC Vandals 8-10 (Witigis). AR. 0.68 g. 11.5 mm. RR. Very rare and in good condition for issue. Fine style. Lightly toned, underlying luster. About EF. This restitution series with the monogram of Theoderic has already been discussed by scholars. According to Grierson, it was struck during the early period of Theodahad's reign when Amalasuntha was formally the new sovereign. On these quarter siliquae, one finds the name of Justinian on the obverse and the monogram of Amalasunta's father on the reverse. For Grierson, only in this way could the Ostrogoths accept her reign. Hahn and Metlich have different opinions and they prefer to ascribe this series to Witigis.
(NAC 93, 1206 note).