| In comparison with other official media, coins were much more conservative in their use of religious imagery. For example, the image of the Virgin is found in all media including lead seals by the end of the 6th century (photo right), whereas her image does not appear on coins until the early 10th century under Leo VI (886–908) (see Representations of the Virgin).
Similarly, although icons of Christ were carried into battle in front of the troops as early as the 6th century, and a mosaic showing Christ enthroned had been placed by Justin II (565–78) in the Golden Hall of the Great Palace, his image did not appear on coins until the exceptional issues of Justinian II (685–95). These portray a superb bust-length figure of the bearded Christ as the principal obverse image (photo lower right). Justinian II's coinage, often beautifully designed and admirably executed, marks one of the culminating points of Byzantine numismatic art.
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