Solidus - Justinian II Constantinopolis ND
| Gold | 4.45 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Byzantine Empire (Byzantine states) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Justinian II Rhinotmetos (685-695, 705-711) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 685-695 |
| Value | 1 Solidus |
| Currency | First Solidus Nomisma (498-720) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.45 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#414073 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Full-length figure of Justinian II standing facing, wearing crown and loros, cross potent with base on two steps in right hand, akakia in left
Script: Latin
Lettering:
D IЧStINI-AN-ЧS SERЧ CHRIStI Є (Є retrograde)
CONO-P
Translation: Our Lord Justinian Servant of Christi
Comment
The portrait of Christ on the obverse of this solidus is the first numismatic representation of Jesus and immediately followed the ruling of the Trullan Synod of AD 692 that Christ could be depicted in human form. Justinian II was ostentatiously devout and placing the divine image on his coinage was a reflection of this. The image is remarkably naturalistic and lifelike, and was likely based on the mosaic image of Christ in the apse of the Great Palace of Constantinople, which was itself influenced by Hellenistic depictions of Zeus.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Solidus - Justinian II (Constantinopolis) ND (685-695) coin is that it features an image of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian II on one side and an image of the Virgin Mary on the other, signifying the importance of Christianity in the Byzantine Empire during that time period.
