Justinian AE 40 Nummi

Just received this in the mail courtesy of @Bing 's recent auction. I don't always buy Byzantine coins, but when I do...I like higher quality ones. (Allusion to the most interesting man in the world). Justinian was an interesting man, reviled by some, revered by others. He spent a fortune in gold in building Hagia Sophia and sending the general Belisarius all over the former Western Empire trying to reconquer territory til he fell out of favor and ended up begging for alms on the streets of Constantinople (according to one tradition). Anyway, take a peek at it...and share any coins of Justinian that you wish.

Justinian I (527-565 A.D.)

AE Follis, Constantinople Mint, 10 grams, 28mm

Obverse: Diademed, Draped and Cuirassed Bust Right, DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG

Reverse: Large M, cross above, star to left and right, officina letter below

Reference: SB 160, DOC 30

 

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Yeah, that one's been grist for the mill of time, but it came through with very nice details and legends, and an attractive sand patina.

 

I always wondered what they were thinking when they switched from profiles that wore well to facing busts that tend to lose the nose almost immediately.
Antioch


Cyzicus


Antioch

 

I have several coins of Justinian, but I don't have a Justinian 40 nummi with the right facing bust. Here is an Anastasius that is a very close coin to your ACH in terms of style.

 

Here’s my two Justianians. I tend to avoid the profile bust for artistic reasons.

 

Maybe Justinian was trying to make a change from the past with those frontal full-face portraits Doug.

 

Front-facing busts are also notorious for not striking up well.

 

That is correct. Hard to get a front-facing follis with an unworn portrait.