Justinian II, First Reign (AD 685-695). AV solidus (19mm, 4.43 gm, 7h). NGC Choice AU

Description

Byzantine Empire: Justinian II, First Reign (AD 685-695). AV Solidus

Issuer: Justinian II, First Reign (AD 685-695)
Mint: Constantinople, 7th officina
Date: AD 692-695
Weight: 4.43 g
Diameter: 19mm
Certification: NGC Choice AU 2/5 – 3/5, brushed

Obverse:

• Design: Half-length bust of Christ Pantocrator facing forward. Christ has long hair and a full beard, and is depicted wearing a pallium and colobium. A cross is positioned behind His head. His right hand is raised in benediction while the Book of Gospels is cradled in His left arm.
• Inscription: IHС CRIStDS RЄX-RЄϚNANtIЧM

Reverse:

• Design: Full-length figure of Justinian II standing facing. He is depicted wearing a crown and loros, holding a cross potent with a base on two steps in His right hand and an akakia (a liturgical object) in His left hand.
• Inscription: D IЧStINI-AN-ЧS SERЧ CHRIStI S; CONO-P below

References:

• Sear: 1248
• DO: 2, Part 2, 7
• MIB: 8

Historical Context: This solidus is notable for featuring the first numismatic representation of Jesus Christ, a significant departure from previous depictions. This change followed the ruling of the Trullan Synod of AD 692, which permitted Christ to be depicted in human form. Justinian II’s choice to include Christ on his coinage reflects his devout nature and his desire to align with contemporary religious reforms. The portrayal of Christ is both naturalistic and lifelike, likely inspired by the mosaic image of Christ in the apse of the Great Palace of Constantinople. Some scholars suggest that this new coin type was a response to the Umayyad caliph ‘Abd al-Malik’s introduction of Byzantine-style solidi with the shahada in AD 692, a political gesture before the Umayyad victory at the Battle of Sebastopolis.

Features and Highlights:

• Condition: NGC Choice AU with some brushing, showcasing a well-executed strike and clear details.
• Significance: Represents a milestone in Byzantine numismatics as the first appearance of Christ on coinage, reflecting a major shift in religious and political symbolism.

For further information, please call 212 3191077.