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OSTROGOTHS. Theia. 552. AR Half Siliqua (13.5mm, 1.28 g, 6h). In the name of the Byzantine emperor Anastasius I. Ticinum mint. D N ΛNΛ(retrograde S) TA(retrograde S)IV(retrograde S) P ΛC, pearl-diademed and mantled bust right / DOM/NV(retrograde S) TH/EIΛ P/REX in four lines within wreath with large central jewel. COI 74b (same dies as illustrated coin); MIB 12; MEC 1, –. Deeply toned with iridescence, holed for suspension. VF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives.
From the James A. Lock Collection.
The last king of the Ostrogoths, Theia was first a crucial military commander and the chosen successor to King Baduila. In the heat of the Battle of Busta Gallorum, Baduila was mortally wounded near Sentinum, which is in the modern day Umbrian region, passing power to Theia, who was immediately proclaimed king by his troops. Prior to his death Baduila had taken 300 children from the Roman nobles, telling the parents he would care for them, but instead he held them as hostages. Upon his death, Theia, a brutal man, hunted down these children and killed them all in revenge. Then he fled to the Bay of Naples to gather support. According to Procopius, Theia failed to secure the support of the Franks, who wished to stay out of the conflict all together, and he failed to secure more provisions for his troops. They decided to retreat and take refuge on Mons Lactarius (Milk Mountain) because the difficult terrain prevented the Roman soldiers from pursuing them. However, he heroically or foolishly decided to attack the enemy, preferring to die in battle rather than starve. He got his wish: in the fury of combat his chest was momentarily exposed allowing a javelin to stab and kill him instantly. Even though their king had been slain his soldiers knew that to survive as free men they could not lose and continued to fight for their lives. To end the war, the two sides came to an agreement. The Romans would let them withdraw from the fight with their lives if they were paid handsomely and agreed to immediately leave Italy forever. This marked the end of the Ostrogoths and their illustrious kings.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.
CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session Four – Lot 889-1124 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 19 May 2026 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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