N. 99258643

Merovingian. Frankisch. Tremissis 550-590 AD
N. 99258643

Merovingian. Frankisch. Tremissis 550-590 AD
Merovingian Tremissis with Victoria Figure – Exceptionally Rare and Unique Specimen (ca. 550–590 AD)
This gold tremissis (weight 1.38 g; diameter 13–14 mm; gold content approx. 90–95%) belongs to the early Merovingian period and represents a rare example of an imitation of the Byzantine Victoria type. Struck in high-quality gold, the coin is in very fine+ condition, particularly remarkable for a locally produced tremissis, as such early imitative issues are typically more crudely executed, with well-preserved designs on both sides.
The obverse shows a stylized bust facing right, wearing a diadem and cloak, surrounded by illegible pseudo-Latin lettering. The portrait style, characterized by a deep eye recess and angular facial features, is typical of the early Merovingian imitative tradition, in which local goldsmiths reproduced imperial prototypes.
The reverse depicts a standing, winged Victoria facing right, holding a wreath or cross; the border consists of pseudo-lettering, without a central cross. Based on iconography, weight, and stylistic features, this coin clearly belongs to the early Merovingian “Victoria” series (ca. 550–590 AD), rather than the 7th-century Dorestad production as once thought. Dorestad issues consistently feature a central cross and date from the mid to late 7th century. The presence of the classical Victoria motif places this specimen at least a century earlier.
According to a recent expert assessment (UVL/RMO), no second specimen is known that is die-identical or even closely related, making this coin unique within the current corpus of Merovingian tremisses. The combination of an early iconographic type, high gold content, and unique dies makes this an exceptional piece within the northern Frankish context. On stylistic grounds, an origin in the north Gallic or Rhineland region, possibly the Maastricht–Rhine area, appears most likely.
This coin is an extraordinary and exceedingly rare witness to the earliest phase of Frankish gold circulation, long before the rise of Dorestad, and for that reason merits scholarly inclusion in a national numismatic inventory or collection. The estimated market value, based on comparable early Merovingian Victoria types, is around €3,000–€4,500, with its uniqueness and historical importance significantly enhancing its worth.
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