Justinian I, Copper, Sixteen Nummi, Thessalonike, 538-552
Obverse
Bust of Justinian I facing right.
DNIVSTINI-NVSPPV
Reverse
Large IS with ΘEΩ (large pellet between E and Ω) above, in left field, and PI in right field.
Exergue
TES
Obverse
Bust of Justinian I facing right.
DNIVSTINI-NVSPPV
Reverse
Large IS with ΘEΩ (large pellet between E and Ω) above, in left field, and PI in right field.
Exergue
TES
| Accession number | BZC.2009.034 |
|---|---|
| Ruler | Justinian I |
| Date of Reign | 527–565 |
| Metal | Copper |
| Denomination | Sixteen Nummi |
| Mint | Thessalonike |
| Date | 538 – 552 |
| Diameter | 20.0 mm |
| Weight | 6.17 g |
| Relation of Dies | 6:00 |
| Shape | Flat |
Acquisition History
From Goldberg Sale 55, lot 345, Beverly Hills, 30 October 2009, Christov Collection
Commentary
Hahn and Metlich (MIBE 64) interpret the legend as arca praefectura I(llyrici), but it means αργυρίον, designating the bronze unit. See C. Morrisson, “Byzantine Money: Its Production and Circulation,” 950–51n116 (citing Morrisson, “‘L’économie monétaire byzantine’: à propos d’un ouvrage récent,” 249n3).
MIBE 64, 155, no. 170d (citing specimen in Skopje Museum).