Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XVII Sessions 3 & 4 8 January 2014
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VISIGOTHS, Spain. Egica, with Wittiza. 687-702. AV Tremissis (20mm, 1.07 g, 12h). Eliberri (Granada) mint. Struck 694-702. IDHHEGICΛP+, schematized barehead and draped busts, vis-à-vis / PPNNVVITI(retrograde Z)Λ, Eliberri monogram. CNV 564.1; MV 738(b)1 (this coin illustrated); cf. Miles, Visigoths 1, 478 var. (legends); MEC 1 –. Good VF, toned, areas of typical weak strike, small hairline flan split on edge of reverse. Extremely rare.
Egica tried to establish a secure dynasty from early in his reign, when he was beset by numerous political difficulties and plots. To achieve this, he appointed his son, Wittiza, as joint ruler sometime between 694 and 698. In November 700, Wittiza was officially anointed king. More than likely, this delay was due to the wait for Wittiza to achieve his majority. Sometime between 697 and 701, the Byzantines raided the southern Spanish coast. At about the same time, the plague, possibly brought with the Byzantines, spread throughout Spain. Egica and Wittiza were forced to flee from their capital of Toledo. At this time, Wittiza may have been appointed to rule in Galicia. Egica, however, soon died, leaving Wittiza the sole ruler of the Visigothic kingdom.
Egica tried to establish a secure dynasty from early in his reign, when he was beset by numerous political difficulties and plots. To achieve this, he appointed his son, Wittiza, as joint ruler sometime between 694 and 698. In November 700, Wittiza was officially anointed king. More than likely, this delay was due to the wait for Wittiza to achieve his majority. Sometime between 697 and 701, the Byzantines raided the southern Spanish coast. At about the same time, the plague, possibly brought with the Byzantines, spread throughout Spain. Egica and Wittiza were forced to flee from their capital of Toledo. At this time, Wittiza may have been appointed to rule in Galicia. Egica, however, soon died, leaving Wittiza the sole ruler of the Visigothic kingdom.