Justinian I, Gold, Solidus, Thessalonike, 527-565
Obverse
Armored three-quarter view bust of Justinian I facing right with helmet, and spear behind head. Helmet with no diadem ties.
DNIVSTINI-NVSPPV
Reverse
Victory standing holding a long cross in right hand.
VICTORI-VCCC
Symbol
Eight-pointed star in left and right fields.
Exergue
CONOB
Obverse
Armored three-quarter view bust of Justinian I facing right with helmet, and spear behind head. Helmet with no diadem ties.
DNIVSTINI-NVSPPV
Reverse
Victory standing holding a long cross in right hand.
VICTORI-VCCC
Symbol
Eight-pointed star in left and right fields.
Exergue
CONOB
| Accession number | BZC.2001.27 |
|---|---|
| Ruler | Justinian I |
| Date of Reign | 527–565 |
| Metal | Gold |
| Denomination | Solidus |
| Mint | Thessalonike |
| Date | 527 – 565 |
| Diameter | 21.0 mm |
| Weight | 4.14 g |
| Relation of Dies | 6:00 |
| Shape | Flat |
Acquisition History
From A. H. Baldwin’s Selection 36, lot 36, July 2001
Commentary
Perhaps an imitation (Cécile Morrisson)? The coin is not in DOC. There is a better specimen in Leu Auction no. 77 (2000), lot 785, and in the Christov collection (Goldberg auction 30, October 2009, no. 298) as well as in Stack’s auction, 12 December 2008, no. 3065 (Füeg’s collection). However the most similar specimen is MIBE no. 20.3 and plate 14 from Dorotheum sale 228 (1960), no. 21.
MIB 1:109, no. 20.
D. M. Metcalf, “Minting of Gold Coinage at Thessalonica in the Fifth and Sixth Centuries and the Gold Currency of Illyricum and Dalmatia,” nos. 283–87 (similar).
D. R. Sear, Byzantine Coins and Their Values, no. 173A (similar).