Denomination: Silver quarter siliqua

Period: Very late Roman empire

Date: AD 493-526

Origin: Sirmium, Roman provincial mint

Condition: VF, small loss to top edge, a rare piece

Obverse: Pearled-diademed, draped and cuirasses bust facing right, legend around D N ANASTASIVS P AVG

Reverse: Monogram of Theoderic with cross above, legend around, VINVIT A RVNAD or similar

Size and Weight: 14.5mm, 0.73g

References: Kraus 63, Metlich p43

Features and Provenance: This coin represents a real enigma. It was issued for a very important king you have probably never heard of by regions you have probably never heard of either. Theoderic or Theodoricus, born in 454, became king of the Ostrogoths in 475, a region that is now roughly Romania. He was raised in Constantinople after being kidnapped, but was educated to a very high standard, so was 'Romanised' for a so called barbarian. Once an adult he was released and took his rightful place on the throne. His most remarkable feat, was that he invaded Italy in 488 and conquered all of it and Sicily by 493, making himself king. He also extended his hegemony over the Burgundians, Visigoths and Vandals too. Rather than eliminate Roman ways, he set about rebuilding Roman cities, preserving ancient monuments, repairing aqueducts, sewers, granaries and statuary. Although he ruled in a Gothic way, having a different religion, Italians were allowed to do their on thing, however, ironically they were not allowed in the army. He ruled Italy in such a respected way that he was hailed the new Trajan! His name Theoderic means 'People Ruler' and it appears that it was appropriate, so does his other epithet, 'The Great'. 

As for the coin, it is now considered to have been issued by the Gepid people and not the Ostrogoths (largely based on the weight systems of the two areas), under the rule of Anastasius I (Byzantine ruler in Constantinople from 491 to 518), must have been adored by many! As such, is a rare piece that is steeped in history. 

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible