Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 125 23-24 Jun 2021
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Leovigild with mint Names. Italica.
Tremissis circa 584, AV 1.271 g. (SG 16.49, Au 79.3 %) PIV?[S retrograde]LIVVICILDV[S retrograde]RE Pearl-diademed and draped bust r., with cross on chest. Rev. CVMDEOETΛLICA Cross potent on four steps. Miles 34. CNV 33 (this coin illustrated). MEC I, –. MV 49.2 (this coin, Bartlett 25).
Of the highest rarity, two specimens known of which this is the only one in private hands
(the other from the Huntington collection has been purchased by the ANS). An issue
of great historical importance. Perfectly struck on a very broad flan, unobtrusive
flan crack at nine o'clock on obverse, otherwise good extremely fine
Ex Chaves & Chaves sale 1992, 1.
The CVMDEO was suggested by Miles to be an abbreviation of CVM DE[O]O[BTINVIT] ETALICΛ with religious connotations which could have countered the use of REGIADEOVITA used by Hermenegild during his revolt. Part of the struggle between the father and son may have been over religion related to Hermenegild's conversion to Catholicism from the Arianism of his father. Related to the date and location of the final confrontation between Hermenegild and his father, John of Biclaro relates "In the second year of Maurice (584), Leovigild restored the walls of the ancient city of Italica which proved a great disadvantage for the Ispali." Italica being across the river from Ispali (Seville), which Hermenegild held, proved important for blocking off the Baetis (Guadalquivir) River before the final siege later that year.
Tremissis circa 584, AV 1.271 g. (SG 16.49, Au 79.3 %) PIV?[S retrograde]LIVVICILDV[S retrograde]RE Pearl-diademed and draped bust r., with cross on chest. Rev. CVMDEOETΛLICA Cross potent on four steps. Miles 34. CNV 33 (this coin illustrated). MEC I, –. MV 49.2 (this coin, Bartlett 25).
Of the highest rarity, two specimens known of which this is the only one in private hands
(the other from the Huntington collection has been purchased by the ANS). An issue
of great historical importance. Perfectly struck on a very broad flan, unobtrusive
flan crack at nine o'clock on obverse, otherwise good extremely fine
Ex Chaves & Chaves sale 1992, 1.
The CVMDEO was suggested by Miles to be an abbreviation of CVM DE[O]O[BTINVIT] ETALICΛ with religious connotations which could have countered the use of REGIADEOVITA used by Hermenegild during his revolt. Part of the struggle between the father and son may have been over religion related to Hermenegild's conversion to Catholicism from the Arianism of his father. Related to the date and location of the final confrontation between Hermenegild and his father, John of Biclaro relates "In the second year of Maurice (584), Leovigild restored the walls of the ancient city of Italica which proved a great disadvantage for the Ispali." Italica being across the river from Ispali (Seville), which Hermenegild held, proved important for blocking off the Baetis (Guadalquivir) River before the final siege later that year.