The image of authority in Carolingian coinage: The image of a ruler and Roman imperial tradition

Abstract

This article examines the influence of Roman imperial symbols of authority on Carolingian coinage. During the brief period of a specific 'renewal' in Carolingian coinage in the 8 Ios, there was an evident turn to the Roman tradition of demonstrating authority. As a result, the image of a peace-making emperor on Roman coins during the late third to early fourth century was employed on Carolingian coins for the purpose of legitimizing the new imperial authority of the Carolingians. This image, however, was not long-lived and gradually disappeared in the 820s to 830s.