September 1998 Coin of the Month

A unique solidus of the joint reign of Justin I and Justinian I, 527, produced at the Thessalonica Mint.  The obverse die is different from any other published die for Constantinople.  The reverse is typical of Thessalonica products for Anastasius and Justin I, with two stars on either side of the Angel of Victory.  The weight of this piece is 4.42g on exhibits little wear, but some strike weakness, especially on the obverse.

September 1998 Imitative Piece of the Month
 

A Beneventum tremissis of Grimold III, 788 - 806, as princeps.  Struck between 796 and 806.  Grimold had lived most of his life in the shadow of Charlemagne, first as a captive to insure his fathers loyalty and then as a puppet ruler of Beneventum.  In 796, he became sole ruler of Beneventum and renounced Charlemagne.  This piece weighs 1.31g and is MEC-1099.