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Athalaric (526-34), Half Siliqua, Ravenna, 526-7, diademed and cuirassed bust right, dn ivsti-nvs p avg, around, rev. Monogram spelling Athalaric, cross above, star below, d-n either side, 1.41g/6h (MEC 125; BMC 27). Very fine, dark patina, very rare
When Theodoric the Great died on August 30, 526, his preferred successor, Eutharic—husband of his daughter Amalasuintha—had already passed away in 522 or 523. Consequently, the throne was inherited by Theodoric's grandson Athalaric, the son of Eutharic and Amalasuintha, who was approximately ten years old at the time.
This situation was unprecedented for the Gothic warrior elites, as their tradition required kings to be proven warriors[3]. During the ensuing period of uncertainty, quarter-siliquae coins were minted in Athalaric's name but notably omitted the title "Rex". Similarly, half-siliquae coins bearing Athalaric's monogram were issued but are distinguishable from later versions because they were minted in the name of Justin I rather than his successor Justinian I.
Justin I, the Eastern Roman Emperor, died on August 1, 527, which allows these coins to be dated to the eleven-month period between Theodoric's death on August 30, 526, and Justin I's death on August 1, 527.
Ex Noonan Auction 322, 8 Apr 2025, lot 1629
The coin was sold as part of the collection of Robert Erskine. The auction house added the provenance: Bt Stanley Gibbons
Collection : Ostrogoths - Siliquae