Watch List notes:

THE OSTROGOTHS
Athalaric, 526-534

Pseudo-Imperial Coinage. In the name of Justinian I, 527-565. Solidus, Roma circa 527-530, AV 4.40 g. DN IVSTINI – ANVS PΓ ΛVC (AV ligate) Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, three-quarters r., holding spear and decorated shield with horseman and fallen enemy motif. Rev. VICTOR – I – Λ ΛVCCC A Victory standing l., holdin/g long jewelled cross; in l. field, star, and in exergue, COMOB. BMC Vandals 1 (Ravenna). Kraus 1 (Ravenna). MIB I, 28. MEC I, 122. Metlich 34.
Very rare. Slightly double-struck and with minor marks on obverse,
otherwise good very fine


Ex Bourgey 27 October 1992, Kapamadj, 667, and NAC October, 1995, 722 sales.
The swap from the Justin to the Justinian legend occurred without any stylistic break. Based on the solidi in the name of Justin, the diadem ties point down at the beginning, the spear has a barb and the helmet does not show a trefoil. On the reverse, the star is depicted with six rays. Probably, this group marks the beginning of the issue and can thus be attributed to the reign of Athalaric alone (Metlich p. 24).