Baudila FLOREAS SEMPER from Rome

[Victor]

Here's a recent auction win. Baduila (also known as Totila) ruled the Ostrogoths from A.D. 541- 552. Despite being a great general and nearly recapturing all the territory lost to the Byzantine Empire during the Gothic War, his Empire only outlasted him by about 13 years. After his death, a series of defeats and reversals led to a loss of power for the Goths and their territory was taken over by the Lombards in A.D. 565.

The reverse legend is a bit ironic as FLOREAS SEMPER translates as "Always Grow"



OSTROGOTHS. Baduila (541-552). Decanummium (16mm  5.1g). Rome.

Obv: DN BADVILA REX.
Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing.
Rev: FLOREAS SEMPER.
Emperor standing right with shield and spear.

Metlich 98b; MEC 162.