Watch List notes:

THE LOMBARDS
Romoald II, 706-731

In the name of Justinian II, 685-711. Solidus 706-731, AV 3.94 g. DN IVS – TINIVNYΓP Crowned, draped and bearded bust facing, holding globus cruciger in r. hand, Rev. VICTORI – AVGVS Ÿ Cross potent on globus and three steps; in l. field, R and in exergue, CONOB. BMC Vandals 3. Arslan –. MEC I, 1087.
Rare. Light reddish tone and good extremely fine


Ex NAC-Spink sale 52, 1994, 856.
The Duchy of Beneventum was founded in 570/1 and maintained its independence for a long time. Its earliest coins are anonymous but under Gisulf I (689-706), its ruler began adding their initials. Grimoald III introduced the full legend replacing the initials and also started to produce silver deniers, under Caroligian influence. Romoald II, the first Lombard duke of Beneventum, had difficult relationships with Pope Gregory II, king Liutprand and the Byzantines. His basic policy was to increase his own power at the expenses of the Duchies of Spoleto and Naples. In 717 he had a clash with the armies of John I of Naples at Cuma, and was defeated and obliged to review his ambitions.