Sale: CNG 61, Lot: 2189. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 25 September 2002.  Sold For $800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LOMBARDIC KINGDOM OF ITALY. In the name of Justinian I. Struck circa 568-590. AV Tremissis (1.37 gm). Uncertain Lombard mint. Garbled legend. pearl-diademed bust of Justinian right / Garbled legend, Victory standing, facing, holding wreath and globe surmounted by cross; in exergue, ONO. Cf. MEC 294. VF. ($750)

In alliance with Justinian I and serving in the army of Narses, about 5500 Lombards were first introduced into Italy in 552 under their leader Audoin. By 568, under pressure from the Avars, King Albion led the Lombards en masse into Italy. Their rapid early conquest slowed in the 570’s because of internal dissension and Byzantine counter offensives, but under Agilulf (590-616) they established a strong kingdom and were quickly romanized.