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Auction: 5003 - Ancient, Islamic, English & Foreign Coins & Comm. Medals
Lot: 385

France, Merovingian, Clotaire II (613-29), Solidus of Marseille, 3.63g., diademed and draped bust to right, chlota-rivs rcx, rev. chlotari victvria, cross on step over ball, m-a (for Marseilles) and x-x (for the value; 20 siliquae) either side (similar to Belfort 2467 and Prou pl. 23,1; MEC 1,-), slightly buckled and spade-marked, die flaw on reverse, fine and very rare Estimate £ 6,000-7,000 This coin is reported to have been found in Kent from where have come a number of finds of Merovingian coins (see, for example, MEC 1, 122ff). Undoubtedly there was considerable trading activity between Merovingian Gaul and Kent in the late 6th and early 7th Centuries. The kings of Kent, Aethelbert (560-616) and Eadbald (616-40) both took Merovingian princesses for their queens, and the first of these, Bertha, coming to a heathen land, had brought a bishop, Luitard, with her as chaplain. It was during Aethelbert's reign, in 597, that Augustine landed at Thanet and began his mission of converting the Saxons. This coin is silent witness to those events.

Sold for
£4,800