MEROVINGIANS (?). Pseudo-imperial coinage, circa 6th century. Tremissis (Gold, 13 mm, 1.40 g, 3 h), uncertain mint. Heavily stylized draped and cuirassed imperial bust to right, wearing Parthian-style headdress; around, blundered legend. Rev. Victory standing facing with spread wings, her head turned to left, holding wreath in each hand. Depeyrot -. MEC I -, cf. 378-380 (for reverse). Apparently unpublished. A highly interesting piece with an exceptional obverse. Light marks and minor areas of weakness, otherwise, very fine.


The reverse of this fascinating tremissis recalls pseudo-imperial Merovingian issues (MEC I, 378–380), but we are not aware of any parallel for the highly intriguing obverse, which depicts the emperor wearing a headdress reminiscent of Parthian tiaras (as seen under Mithradates II and III). It is most likely an especially crude imitation, yet the resemblance remains remarkable.