Coin of Dagobert I
Type:
Coins
Date:
629–39
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
France
Medium:
Gold
Dimensions:
Diameter of 19 mm
Description:
These coins were minted for the Merovingian king Dagobert (r. 629–39), identified as "Dagobertus Rex" ([D]A[GOBE]RTV[S RE]; King Dagobert) in the text around his profile bust. In the Merovingian realm, coins were often struck by named moneyers (monetarii), and this example was struck by "Eligius monetarius" ([ELEG]IVS MO[NE]; Eligius the moneyer), as indicated on the reverse (no longer legible in this example). Eligius (b. ca. 588) is especially well known in the historical record because he also struck coins under Dagobert's predecessor (Chlothar II, r. 613–29) and successor (Clovis II, r. 639–57). He became very wealthy in his profession as a goldsmith and founded several monasteries. Eligius was ordained as a bishop in 641 and is considered the patron saint of goldsmiths and metalworkers.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
4
Repository and Online Resources:
• This coin is now in the collection of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.
