Меровингские монеты Элигия-монетария из собрания Эрмитажа

The article considers the role of masters of the mint in the organization of coin minting under the Merovingian dynasty. The author attempts to establish the official functions performed by Eligius at the court of the Merovingian Kings Clotaire II (586–629), Dagobert I (623–639), Sigebert II (638–656) and Clovis II (639–651). Published for the first time are the golden tremisses from the Hermitage collection minted in the time of Eligius’ office and bearing his name. The author analyzes the metal standards of coins to characterize the economic life of the Merovingian period. Using comparative analysis of the narrative sources and numismatic data the author studies the iconography of the kings’ portraits on coins, which vividly reflect Eligius’ epoch.