byzantine-empire-538-545-ad-item-2

DenominationSolidus

Country / EmpireByzantine Empire

Obverse DesignHelmeted, cuirassed bust of Emperor Justinian I facing forward, holding a globus cruciger (orb with cross) in his right hand and a shield in his left. Inscription typically D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG.

Reverse DesignAngel (often identified as Victory) standing facing, holding a long staff surmounted by a staurogram (cross) in the right hand and a globus cruciger in the left. Star in the right field. Inscription typically VICTORIA AVGG and CONOB in the exergue.

Historical Context

The solidus was the standard gold coin of the Byzantine Empire, introduced by Constantine the Great. This specific solidus was issued during the reign of Emperor Justinian I (527-565 AD), a pivotal figure in Byzantine history known for his legal reforms (Corpus Juris Civilis), military campaigns to reclaim lost Roman territories, and extensive building programs. The 'CONOB' mint mark indicates it was struck at the Constantinople mint and signifies 'Constantinopolis Obryzum' (pure gold of Constantinople), attesting to its high gold purity.

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