The last Roman coin and the first Byzantium coin (not as simple, of course).

[Rand]

I thought about showing my '10 best 2024'. 2024 has been a good year with a usual slow but steady trickle of coins that excite me. However, being a niche collector with an increasing interest in applied die studies, my 10 coins would look like showing the same coin 10 times. 

Still, with gratitude to others for showing their amazing acquisitions, I wanted to share something that may interest others. I selected these two coins, which are actually from the end of last year.

These two coins are reverse die-linked solidi to Emperors Zeno and Anastaisus. I have been looking for such a link for years and was lucky to find and acquire them. 

 

 

The implications:

• The last solidus of Zeno, and by extension, the last Eastern Roman solidus
• The first solidus of Anastasius, and by extension, the first Byzantine solidus.
• Evidence that ANASTASIO PERP solidi was indeed the first Anastasius solidi with a dative form of his name, similar to Zeno (this die even has a typo) . This was soon changed to ANASTASIVS.
• A reliable dating point that can be used to date other coins through die links.
• It was a joy to say to my kids that I have the last Roman coin and the first Byzantium coin. This is obviously far more complicated, with more than one officina working at the same time and the split between the Eastern Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire being arbitrary.

Anyway, I hope to show more interesting coins next year. In fact, an interesting new discovery is on its way in the post.

As for the new year plans, I would like to get into another completely different numismatic area, perhaps the Hellenistic period.

Please share coins that fascinate you.

Edited December 9, 2024 by Rand

[panzerman]

I always have Anastasius I as start of Byzantine from Eastern Roman which started with Constantine I ended with Zeno.

I am fascinated with all types/ time eras. Love Swiss Kantonal coinage/ Burgundian/ Holy Roman Empire/ German States/ Transylvania/ Medieval/ ancient cultures! Burgundian is neat/ since had its roots in Merovingian/ then seemed everything went haywire. Wars between France/ England/ Royal lineages from Bavaria/ later Wars with Swiss Kantons/ Lorraine/ Habsburg result of marriage/ then transition too Spain/ later Holy Roman Empire again.

[Gallienus]

1 hour ago, Rand said:

These two coins are reverse die-linked solidi to Emperors Zeno and Anastaisus. I have been looking for such a link for years and was lucky to find and acquire them. 

 

• The last solidus of Zeno, and by extension, the last East Roman solidus
• The first solidus of Anastasius, and by extension, the first Byzantine solidus.
• Evidence that ANASTASIO PERP solidi was indeed the first Anastasius solidi with a dative form of his name, similar to Zeno (this die even has a typo) . This was soon changed to ANASTASIVS.
• A reliable dating point.

Please share coins that fascinate you.

Wow, really good research. How did you find the 2 die-linked solidii?

I am fascinated by the end of the Empire and 8-10 years ago acquired a tremissis of Julius Nepos, r. 474-475 AD as one of the last Emperors.  I did later bid on a damaged tremissis of R.Augustus but missed it as it went for a fantastical sum.

Western Roman Empire

Julius Nepos, tremissis, 474-475 AD

direct purchase from Ed Waddell 

After Romulus Augustus was deposed. by Odoacer. He ruled as King in Italy. Many mark that as the end of the Empire and don't include Zeno: 474-475 and 476-491.

Very curious. Also it'd be great if it were Zeno, as gold coins of Romulus Augustus are too pricey for avg collectors to afford but Zeno can be found in a nice sized solidus! 

[Rand]

1 minute ago, Gallienus said:

How did you find the 2 die-linked solidii?

I keep a database of Anastasian gold coins (c. 10,000 entries, including multiple sales of the same coins). However, there were relatively few candidates for the role. With the reverse style being quite consistent at the time (two styles, to be precise), it was easy to see what I was looking for.

Amazing coin!

[Bannerknight]

1 hour ago, Rand said:

I thought about showing my '10 best 2024'. 2024 has been a good year with a usual slow but steady trickle of coins that excite me. However, being a niche collector with an increasing interest in applied die studies, my 10 coins would look like showing the same coin 10 times. 

Still, with gratitude to others for showing their amazing acquisitions, I wanted to share something that may interest others. I selected these two coins, which are actually from the end of last year.

These two coins are reverse die-linked solidi to Emperors Zeno and Anastaisus. I have been looking for such a link for years and was lucky to find and acquire them. 

 

 

The implications:

• The last solidus of Zeno, and by extension, the last Eastern Roman solidus
• The first solidus of Anastasius, and by extension, the first Byzantine solidus.
• Evidence that ANASTASIO PERP solidi was indeed the first Anastasius solidi with a dative form of his name, similar to Zeno (this die even has a typo) . This was soon changed to ANASTASIVS.
• A reliable dating point that can be used to date other coins through die links.
• It was a joy to say to my kids that I have the last Roman coin and the first Byzantium coin. This is obviously far more complicated, with more than one officina working at the same time and the split between the Eastern Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire being arbitrary.

Anyway, I hope to show more interesting coins next year. In fact, an interesting new discovery is on its way in the post.

As for the new year plans, I would like to get into another completely different numismatic area, perhaps the Hellenistic period.

Please share coins that fascinate you.

Fascinating, thanks for sharing! Some would argue that either Romulus Augustulus or Julius Nepos were the last emperor of the West, but the case for Zeno as the last East Roman emperor is strong. I just bought a Zeno today at Leu, but unfortunately no die link to yours.

 

Zeno, second reign, 476-491. Solidus (Gold, 20 mm, 4.37 g, 6 h), Constantinopolis. D N ZENO PERP AVG Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Zeno facing, his head turned slightly to right, holding spear in his right hand and with shield, decorated with horseman attacking a fallen foe, over his left shoulder. Rev. VICTORI-A AVGGG I / CONOB Victory standing front, head to left, holding long jeweled cross in her right hand; in field to right, star. Depeyrot 108/1. RIC 910 and 929. Slightly clipped and rough, otherwise, very fine.

[panzerman]

1 hour ago, Gallienus said:

Wow, really good research. How did you find the 2 die-linked solidii?

I am fascinated by the end of the Empire and 8-10 years ago acquired a tremissis of Julius Nepos, r. 474-475 AD as one of the last Emperors.  I did later bid on a damaged tremissis of R.Augustus but missed it as it went for a fantastical sum.

Western Roman Empire

Julius Nepos, tremissis, 474-475 AD

direct purchase from Ed Waddell 

After Romulus Augustus was deposed. by Odoacer. He ruled as King in Italy. Many mark that as the end of the Empire and don't include Zeno: 474-475 and 476-491.

Very curious. Also it'd be great if it were Zeno, as gold coins of Romulus Augustus are too pricey for avg collectors to afford but Zeno can be found in a nice sized solidus! 

Beautifull Nepos Tremissis! Very nice.

[hotwheelsearl]

On 12/9/2024 at 3:44 PM, panzerman said:

I always have Anastasius I as start of Byzantine from Eastern Roman which started with Constantine I ended with Zeno.

I am fascinated with all types/ time eras. Love Swiss Kantonal coinage/ Burgundian/ Holy Roman Empire/ German States/ Transylvania/ Medieval/ ancient cultures! Burgundian is neat/ since had its roots in Merovingian/ then seemed everything went haywire. Wars between France/ England/ Royal lineages from Bavaria/ later Wars with Swiss Kantons/ Lorraine/ Habsburg result of marriage/ then transition too Spain/ later Holy Roman Empire again.

I'm sorry but I felt like I had a stroke reading your post.

In any case, as a wise man once said, "The Holy Roman Empire was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire," so I will have to disagree with your post lol

[panzerman]

It was originally Karl der Grosse (Charlemagne) Carolingian Empire.  He was first Emperor. By Napoleon's time it waned in power. However it was Holy/ since the Emperors fought Wars vs pagans in E. Europe/ vs Protestants Thirty Years War/ Islamist / Crusades/ vs Mongol invaders. By 1750 it was mainly Habsburgs vs Prussia for dominance in Greater Germany.

[Al Kowsky]

On 12/9/2024 at 2:54 PM, Rand said:

I thought about showing my '10 best 2024'. 2024 has been a good year with a usual slow but steady trickle of coins that excite me. However, being a niche collector with an increasing interest in applied die studies, my 10 coins would look like showing the same coin 10 times. 

Still, with gratitude to others for showing their amazing acquisitions, I wanted to share something that may interest others. I selected these two coins, which are actually from the end of last year.

These two coins are reverse die-linked solidi to Emperors Zeno and Anastaisus. I have been looking for such a link for years and was lucky to find and acquire them. 

 

 

The implications:

• The last solidus of Zeno, and by extension, the last Eastern Roman solidus
• The first solidus of Anastasius, and by extension, the first Byzantine solidus.
• Evidence that ANASTASIO PERP solidi was indeed the first Anastasius solidi with a dative form of his name, similar to Zeno (this die even has a typo) . This was soon changed to ANASTASIVS.
• A reliable dating point that can be used to date other coins through die links.
• It was a joy to say to my kids that I have the last Roman coin and the first Byzantium coin. This is obviously far more complicated, with more than one officina working at the same time and the split between the Eastern Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire being arbitrary.

Anyway, I hope to show more interesting coins next year. In fact, an interesting new discovery is on its way in the post.

As for the new year plans, I would like to get into another completely different numismatic area, perhaps the Hellenistic period.

Please share coins that fascinate you.

Rand, Congrats on your important discovery 🤩! I often wondered where the the solidi of Zeno, struck in the reign of Odovacar, can be dated 🤔. Do you have any opinion on these coins, see the example pictured below that was auctioned by Roma Numismatics.

Pseudo-Imperial, uncertain AV solidus. In the name of Zeno. Uncertain mint: 4.34 gm, 20 mm, 6 h.

[Rand]

This is a nice coin! 
We do not have comprehensive studies on Western Zeno's coins. Your coin is likely from North Italy or South Gaul, possibly South East Gaul. Where exactly and who minted them remains a mystery. Western coins bearing the name Zeno used to be extremely rare, but they have started appearing since Rome started dispersing the so-called 'Mare Nostrum Hoard'. The number of coins with surfaces similar to those in the hoard has now exceeded the number declared by Roma. Whether the coins are coming from the same or separate hoards, we do not know. 

@Hrefn and @Tejas have interesting collections of Zeno's coins from Western mints.

[Al Kowsky]

2 hours ago, Rand said:

This is a nice coin! 
We do not have comprehensive studies on Western Zeno's coins. Your coin is likely from North Italy or South Gaul, possibly South East Gaul. Where exactly and who minted them remains a mystery. Western coins bearing the name Zeno used to be extremely rare, but they have started appearing since Rome started dispersing the so-called 'Mare Nostrum Hoard'. The number of coins with surfaces similar to those in the hoard has now exceeded the number declared by Roma. Whether the coins are coming from the same or separate hoards, we do not know. 

@Hrefn and @Tejas have interesting collections of Zeno's coins from Western mints.

Rand, The coin photo I posted isn't mine, it sold at a Roma auction for 3,400 British pd., it was one of many that they sold. The only Zeno coins I've left have been posted a number of times, see below.

 

[Hrefn]

#1.). Well, I have an obverse die match for the Roma coin above, with a different officina for the reverse.  From Tauler et Fau. My note on it follows:

Listed, (somewhat inaccurately) as:   

“Zeno. Solidus. 476-491 AD. Constantinople. 6th officina. (Ric-X 910 & 929). (Depeyrot-108/1). Anv.: D N ZENO PERP AVG. Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif. Rev.: VICTORIA AVGGG S. Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. Au. 4,37 g. Ex CNG, Triton XXVII 6 (18/01/2024), lot 6379. XF. “

This coin is probably from a Western mint.  I doubt the letter in the officina position refers to the sixth officina.  This appears to me to be a possible coin from Sardinia struck by the Vandals.   Alternatively it is from Gaul, or Italy.  

Athena was selling a near identical coin 10/24 with same skinny S in the officina position, and same cut out in the trailing edge of Victoria’s garment, from the Michel Dürr collection 8 November 1999 #237.  

#2.) Next is a coin very similar to @Al Kowsky’s Eastern Roman Zeno with the CONOR in the exergue.  If you look carefully at my specimen, it appears CONOR has been altered to CONOB.

From Harlan Berk sale 3/26/1990 lot#23 and attributed to Theodoric the Ostrogoth.  Similar to Spink sale of the Dreesman collection, 4/2000, lot#372.  I have vacillated between attributing these solidi to the East or the West.  The CONOR-CONOB question has no clear answer as to the meaning.  But I believe this coin suggests the same authority may have struck both variant exergual legends.  Odovacar, perhaps?   Or just a variant in Costantinopolitan solidi, for reasons we do not know?

#3.). The next coin is definitely not from Constantinople.  

Several oddities stand out.  The horseman on the emperor’s shield in not riding down a captive.  He may be brandishing a weapon or about to hurl a spear.  Victory has a peculiar cutout in the trailing edge of her garment, similar to coin #1.  The epigraphy is odd.  The “A”s lack crossbars.  The exergue is clearly COMOB, and the officina letter is ambiguous.  There is a star over the standing cross, a feature seen on a very few official solidi, and may be a clue to the origin of this one.  

The fields of this coin suggest maritime salvage to me, which inevitably suggests the Mare Nostrum hoard.  The coin came from NBJ in Dubai.  

#4.)  The final coin is the most devolved in style.  It looks pale in these images but the gold color is the same as the other 3 coins.  

The Z of Zeno is retrograde.  The obverse legend reads PRP AVG(?) rather than PERP AVG.  the exergue can’t decide what it should read.  Lastly, there is the peculiar notch in Victory’s trailing garment we also see on #1 and #3.  There is a corrosion which suggest sea salvage to me.  

This coin is from Athena, purchased 7/2024 billed as a Migration period Pseudo-Imperial solidus.  

For ease of discussion, should there be any, I have labeled the coins #1 through #4 to make indicating which coin you wish to reference more simple.

[rasiel]

Anastasius I, upon learning that he was starting a new empire :-)

Rasiel

[Hrefn]

It occurs to me that my theory that Coin #1 was minted in Sardinia, based partly on the peculiar skinny “S” where the officina letter usually is placed, is punctured by the obverse die-match coin @Al Kowsky posted.  That coin has a clear  “H” for an officina letter.  These Zeno solidi above are not from Constantinople, but their origin is still a mystery.  

If the Officina letters truly indicate different officinae, and are not just randomly copied design elements, it would suggest coin #1 was struck in a major mint.  Aside from Constantinople, I believe officina numbers were still used only in Rome by this time.  Someone please correct me if I am wrong about this.  But if that is correct, either coin #1 is from Rome, or the final letter of the reverse inscription is not an officina designation at all.  

Coin #2 may or may not be Imperial.  Attribution to a mint awaits the resolution of the CONOR-CONOB question.  I think this coin suggests the same authority struck coins with both of these exergual legends.  

Coins #3 and #4 are way outside of the Imperial system.  Their officina letters are almost certainly meaningless rote copies.  

I hate to wave goodbye to the theory that some of these coins were struck by the Vandals in Sardinia, but coin #1 can’t be used to support the theory, at least.  
 

[Rand]

You have a very nice collection of Zeno, @Hrefn

I must admit I doubted Sardinia's attribution for coin #1. It is too refined for an obscure mint without strong minting traditions. I really wanted to find evidence that Vandals minted gold under Anastasius and failed.

It would be helpful to look into die-links for #2, but my bet would be a particularly lovely Constantinople issue (these are hard to find).

Despite differences, #3 and #4 seem related to #1 and are probably from the same region, if not mint.

Apart from Rome, Ravenna and Milan under Odovacer or Arles under Alaric II would have established minting traditions. Sadly, the find evidence for these coins is too poor to be useful as a pointer.

As for CONOR being used (for whatever reason) in Constantinople, please see these two coins, which remove the doubt. These are Marriage solidi of Anastasius and Ariadne, minted around 20th May 491.

A coin of this rare type would be my top New Year wish!

Solidus with CONOR

Marmaray Yenikapý Hoard. In Istanbul Archeological Museum now? Öztopbaþ S. Large coin find from Marmaray Yenikapý excavations in Istanbul and the wedding solidus of Anastasius I. First International Congress Of The Anatolian Monetary History And Numismatics. 25-28 February 2013. Antalya. 437-42.

An obverse linked solidus with CONOB

Dumbarton Oaks Collection. Whiting PD. Byzantine Coins. Barrie & Jenkins. 1973.

 

[Hrefn]

Thanks, @Rand.  I agree that proves some of the CONOR solidi were struck in Constantinople.  And if some were, probably they all were.  Zeno #2 will return to the chamber in my numophylacium which houses the Imperial solidi.