Milan

Athalaric in the name of Justinian I, Ostrogothic King of Italy 526-534

Ranieri 282, PCGS-graded AU-58

Obverse depicts diademed and cuirassed bust of Justinian right. The reverse has four lines of inscription within a wreath. Struck at Ravenna; an unusually bold and beautifully patinated specimen.

Athalaric was the grandson of Theodoric, his successor and king of Italy. This young Ostrogoth turned out to be a disaster, and ended all hope for a reunited Roman Empire. There is debate as to the reasons for Athalaric’s incompetence, but no debate as to this incompetence destroying the last chance for a Roman revival.