© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
Solidus in the name of Justinian II hand at left
| Electrum | 4.03 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Benevento (Lombard Kingdom) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 742-758 |
| Value | 1 Solidus |
| Currency | Solidus (668-897) |
| Composition | Electrum |
| Weight | 4.03 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#145091 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Cross on four steps with hand to the left and surrounded by legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VICTOR - AGVSTO
CONOB
Unabridged legend:
Victoria Augustus
Constantinopolis
Translation:
Victory of the August.
Constantinople.
Comment
All coins with a hand in the field were struck using the same dies.There is a lot of uncertainty with who this coin was minted under. BMC Vandal states that this is an issue of Gisulf II (742-751), and a later catalogue, Oddy, came to the same conclusion. However, with there being a hand in place of where a letter usually is (which is the indication of the ruling king), many sources say this is an anonymous issue struck in the mid-8th century. Even so, the bust depicts the ruler with his arm crossed over his chest, which is something seemingly unique to issues struck under Liutprand (751-751). With how the arm is positioned, and with how sharp the image appears, these were probably late-Gisulf II or early-Liutprand issues.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Justinian II with his hand gesture, which was a distinctive feature of his coinage. This hand gesture, known as the "chersonese gesture," was used by Justinian II to symbolize his victory over the Lombards, who had conquered much of Italy at the time. The use of this gesture on the coinage was a way for Justinian II to assert his authority and dominance over the Lombards, and it became a distinctive feature of his coinage.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (742-758) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Solidus in the name of Justinian II (hand at left) (742-758) coin.
