OSTROGOTHIC KINGDOM OF ITALY: Theodahad (AD 534–536). Æ follis (10.15 gm). Rome, AD 535/6. D N THEODA-HATVS REX, bust of Theodahad right, wearing bejeweled spangenhelm and consular mantle, cross on chest / VICTORIA PRINCIPVM S-C, Victory walking right on prow of galley, holding wreath in right hand and palm over left shoulder. Metlich C7/L16 (this coin cited). MEC 143. MIB I, 81. BMC 21. Rare, and possessing a remarkable portrait. Dark green patina. Extremely fine.

PRICE: $6,500   SOLD!

Ex Münzen und Medaillen List 376 (March 1976), no. 29.

Theodahad was the cousin of Amalasuntha, daughter of Theodoric the Great (AD 471-526), whose long reign had brought about a final flowering classical civilization in Italy before the onset of the Dark Ages. Amalasuntha inherited the Gothic kingdom as regent for her young son Athalric, but her pro-Byzantine policies angered the Ostragothic nobility and they forced her to make Theodahad co-ruler in AD 534. Theodahad was an admirer of Roman culture, but he had a weak, vacillating character and was beholden to the anti-Roman nobles. When Amalasuntha continued her secret contacts with the East Roman Emperor Justinian, Theodahad had her arrested, imprisoned, and eventually murdered. It was a short-sighted move, as it provided the ambitious Justinian with the perfect pretext for undertaking the re-conquest of Italy. The great Byzantine general Belisarius promptly invaded Sicily and soon moved on Naples and Rome. After an initial show of defiance, Theodahad tried to appease the emperor, apologizing for his conduct and promising to cede authority over part of Italy. When the Ostrogothic nobles learned of the arrangement, they declared Theodahad deposed and elected Witigis as the new king. Theodahad tried to flee to a safe refuge in Ravenna, but was caught and murdered in December 536.

Theodahad’s appreciation for classical learning is reflected in his bronze coinage. The impressive 40-nummi pieces struck in Rome in AD 535 are remarkable throwbacks to the Roman Empire of the first two centuries AD, with realistic portraiture depicting Theodahad wearing a Gothic-style helmet and long, straight hair along with the robes of a Roman consul. The reverse even bears the letters S C, recalling the formula Senatus Consulto not seen on Roman coinage in three centuries.