CNG 100, Lot: 340. Estimate $1500. Sold for $1200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

OSTROGOTHS. Athalaric. 526-534. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.37 g, 6h). In the name of Byzantine emperor Justinian I (527-565). Rome mint, 1st officina. Struck 527-circa 530. D N IVSTINI-ΛNVS P F ΛVC, diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield / VICTOR-I-A AVCCC A, Victory standing left, holding long, jeweled cross; star to left, pellet at each end of exergual line; COMOB. COI 34; cf. MIB 28; cf. MEC 1, 122. VF, toned, a few minor edge marks.

From the collection of Dr. Lawrence A. Adams, purchased from M. Louis Teller, August 1982.

Metlich (COI) attributes such coins with diadem ties hanging downward to Rome, 527-circa 530, and those with diadem ties “flying” (to use his term) to Ravenna, circa 530-539.