
Milan
Theoderic in the name of Zeno, Ostrogothic King of Italy 493-526
RIC -; Lacam pl. 55, 61 (this coin);, Good Extremely Fine
Obverse depicts a helmet and diademed bust. On the reverse Victory standing to the left, holding a long cross. Struck at Milan; overall a choice example.
Theodoric the Great was an exceptional leader and administrator. He attempted to replicate the rule of the now defunct Roman Empire and he did establish a much needed peace until his death in 526. His desire to rule as a Roman Emperor was cut short by his untimely death. His greatest error was not appointing a competent heir to his new empire. Had a new heir arisen rivalling Theodoric in ability, medieval European history might have been totally different.