Justinian II, Gold, Solidus, Constantinople, 686/687
Obverse
Frontal bust of Justinian II with beard added as row of dots, wearing chlamys and crown with cross. Globus cruciger in right hand.
ΙSΙΝΙ-ΝSPEV
Reverse
Cross potent on base and three steps.
VICTORI-VS
Symbol
Eight-pointed star in right field.
Exergue
CONOB
Obverse
Frontal bust of Justinian II with beard added as row of dots, wearing chlamys and crown with cross. Globus cruciger in right hand.
ΙSΙΝΙ-ΝSPEV
Reverse
Cross potent on base and three steps.
VICTORI-VS
Symbol
Eight-pointed star in right field.
Exergue
CONOB
| Accession number | BZC.1973.6 |
|---|---|
| Ruler | Justinian II |
| Date of Reign | 685–695, 705–711 |
| Metal | Gold |
| Denomination | Solidus |
| Mint | Constantinople |
| Date | 686/687 |
| Diameter | 19.0 mm |
| Weight | 4.12 g |
| Relation of Dies | 6:00 |
| Shape | Flat |
Acquisition History
From A. H. Baldwin's Selection, 24 April 1973, who had acquired it from Bank Leu
Commentary
Type of DOC 2.2: 576, no. 4 (solidi with added beard), but lightweight (23 carats). This seems to be from the same obverse die as DOC 2.2:576, no. 4a. These lightweight solidi were noted by M. D. O’Hara, “A Light-Weight Solidus of Justinian II?.”
Specimens cited in MIB 3:262–63, are as follows: officina Α, R. N. Bridge Collection; officina B, Istanbul Museum; officina Ε, Wroth 5 (4.13 g), Istanbul Museum, Numismatic Fine Arts IV, March 1977, 789; officina S, only this coin; officina Η, the ANS, Istanbul Museum, and the Protonotarios collection; officina Θ, the O’Hara Collection (4.10 g; published in O’Hara’s 1969 article cited above). The forthcoming die study of all Justinian II’s solidi issues by L. Treadwell will allow for an estimate of their respective sizes.
MIB 3:262–63, no. 10.