© PA-ENGINEER (CC0)
© PA-ENGINEER (CC0)
Semissis - Justinian I ND
| Gold | 1.9 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Byzantine Empire (Byzantine states) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Justinian I (527-565) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 527-565 |
| Value | Semissis (½) |
| Currency | First Solidus Nomisma (498-720) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 1.9 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#278316 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Victory seated right inscribing numerals upon shield on knee
star to left, chi-rho to right
Lettering:
VICTORI-AAVCCC
CONOB (mintmark)
Translation:
Victory
Constantinople mint
Comment
Weights typically vary in a range of perhaps 1.4 grams to 2.0 grams.Due to hand striking, diameters vary as well.
Varieties exist with reverse Chi-Rho on reverse
(BCV 144 has a reverse Chi-Rho yet the pictured coin above which has reverse Chi-Rho matches BCV 143 more closely)
Also, Vandal imitations (or contemporary counterfeits) exist with similar weights and diameters, yet much more crude engraving and lettering. See BMC Vandal 42 for one such counterfeit.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Semissis coin is that it was used as a means of payment for soldiers and civil servants during Justinian I's reign, and its value was equivalent to half of a solidus, which was the standard gold coin of the Byzantine Empire at the time.
