Constantinople, Ca. AD 545-565
Justinian I Av. solidus, Constantinople. DN IVSTINI-ANVS PP AVG; Helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding globus cruciger and shield with horseman and enemy motif. Rev. VICTORI-AAVCCC, office mark; Angel standing facing holding long cross and globus cruciger; in right field, star and in exergue, CONOB. DO 9; MIBE 7; Sear 140. Extremely fine.
The reign of Justinian I is most notable for his compete revision of Roman law and the reconquests of North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Carthage, Rome, and Ravenna – among others – were turned into imperial minting centres as a consequence of this, exerting a lasting impact on Byzantine coinage. Despite this increase in minting capability, production of gold coinage under Justinian I is confined to Constantinople.
The obverse portrait of Justinian I is typical of the 6th century AD, frontal and lacking in individual features. The reverse features an angel, a contemporaneous development away from the older type that featured the Roman Victoria.
For additional information see:
Grierson, P., Bellinger, A. R., Hendy, M. F., 1966-1999, Catalogue of the Byzantine Coins in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and in the Whittemore Collection (5 vols.), Washington.
JUSTINIAN I GOLD SOLIDUS
Dimensions
D: 21mm ; 4.45g