Watch List notes:

THE OSTROGOTHS
Baduila, 541-552

Pseudo-Imperial Coinage. In the name of Justinian I, 527-565. Half siliqua, Ticinum 541-549/550, AR 0.67 g. IIIVIII – MVM Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. DN / BADV / VILA / REX; all within wreath. BMC Vandals –. Kraus 40. MIB 62 var. (for legend). MEC I, –. Metlich 69 var. (for legend).
Extremely rare. Old cabinet tone and good very fine


Ex Kunst und Münzen 10, 1973, 187, and Leu 77, 2000, 792 sales.
After the recall of Belisarius, the Ostrogoths re-established themselves with Hildebard and especially Baduila, also called Totila. He was a brilliant king and obtained great victories during his advance toward South Italy, and the same Belisarius could do little to hinder them. When the Ostrogoths obtained virtually all of Italy, Sicily and Sardinia Justinian, having relieved Belisarius, was compelled to make a supreme effort sending his other great general, Narses, to Italy with a very large army which defeated and killed Baduila in 552 (battle of Taginae, modern Gualdo Tadino).