Watch List notes:

THE LOMBARDS
Arichis II, 758-787

With the title of Duke. Tremissis, 765-774 AV 1.32 g. DN SVI – + – CTORIA Crowned, draped and bearded bust facing, holding globus cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VITIRA – AGVTV Cross potent on base; in l. field, A and in exergue, CONOB. BMC Vandals 6. Arslan 92-93. MEC I, 1094.
Rare. Good very fine


Arichis II was Desiderius's son-in-law. When Charlemagne claimed to rule all of Italy, he abandoned the title of Duke, taking that of Prince in 774. The Pope also tried to lay claim to Beneventum but to no avail as Arichis was negotiating with the Byzantines to counter the threat. In order to maintain his independence, Arichis was forced to send his younger son Grimoald to Charlemagne as a hostage.