I just got a coin that I have been waiting for years to get and it is the most Roman inspired coin produced by the Ostrogoths.
Theodahad
A.D. 534-536
AE Follis (40 nummi) (25mm 9.5g) Rome mint.
D N THEODA - HATVS REX; bust of Theodahad right wearing Spangenhelm and "ostrogothic" garment.
VICTORIA - PRINCIPV[M]; Victory standing on prow r., holding palm in left and wreath in right; across fields S- C.
MIB 81; MEC 141; COI 89b
On the obverse Theodahad looks very much like a Roman emperor and has a cross on his chest. The reverse is the very familiar Victory on a prow with S-C (SENATVS CONSVLTO) across the fields. Because of the S-C, this coin is often referred to as "the last sestertius"; though the Roman senate really had nothing to do with the issue.
here is a common Victory on prow coin issued during the reign of Constantine I
The reverse legend is a variation (spelling error) with PRINCIPV instead of PRICIPVM. The reverse legend of VICTORIA PRINCIPV (Victory of the Princes) is also very close to sounding like something a Roman would have on a coin, like the coin below with VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP legend which translates to Joyous victory of the eternal prince.
Constantine I
A.D. 318
AE nummus 18mm 2.9g
IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG; high crested helmet, cuir., spear across r. shoulder, shield with horseman leaping over fallen enemy.
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding wreath inscribed VOT PR on altar.
in ex. BSIS star
RIC VII Siscia 50
Coins of Constantine I often depict him wearing a ridge helmet (see above coin); and a similar helmet was used later by Germanic kings. This Germanic helmet didn't have a plume or cheek flaps, but the type is still recognizable, especially the stars to the right and left of the cross-bar and was called a spangenhelm. As late as the seventh century, a helmet was used in place of a crown in the coronation of Egbert, a King of Kent who ruled from 664 to 673.
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Posted 12/07/2025 5:05 pm
