A Byzantine Coin with Large Comic-Style Eyes

I picked up this solidus earlier this year. Got attracted to this coin because of the very big and comic-like eyes. This coin design is not rare, and I have seen similar examples in previous auctions before. However, I find this one quite appealing, even though some of the legends is not sharply struck. Maybe because I like comic drawings also in addition to ancient coins. I haven’t studied about Byzantine coins back then, so I had no idea who the emperor was. This is one of my “buy the coin first and do research later” type of coins.

The Byzantine emperor is Anastasius I. According to online information, he seems to be a good administrator. He made some good reforms, and citizens ended up paying less tax but there were more money reserve for the empire to hire more troops. Such a win-win situation. Wonder how he did it.

Anyway, here is the coin.

Anastasius I. AV Solidus. Constantinople mint, 10th officina.
Struck 507-518 AD; 20mm, 4.35 g, 6h.
Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield
Rev: Victory standing left, holding staff surmounted by reversed staurogram; star to left; I//CONOB.
DOC 7j; MIBE 7; SB 5.
Ex: MacKay Collection of Byzantine Gold and Silver; Seaby - May 1984.
CNG Feature Auction 117 (2021)

Please share ancient coins that show cute-looking portraits, or anything you feel relevant. Thanks!

 

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I want to like this but I am too terrified.


The eyes on this Justinian I half follis aren't huge but they are somewhat creepy.

 

Very nice solidus! I think that this denarius of a surprised-looking Marcus Aurelius fits well in this thread.



Divus Marcus Aurelius. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.24 g). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Struck under Commodus, 180 AD. Bare head of Divus Marcus Aurelius right / Rev. CONSECRATIO, eagle standing right on globe. RIC III 273 (Commodus).
From the Phil Peck ("Morris") Collection

 

I looks like he has seen his end! I love it!

 

Wow! This one is quite extreme...

Agree the eyes are a bit creepy. The Constantinople mint surely needs good coin engravers to improve the quality of coins.

A very interesting coin, @Shea19. Marcus Aurelius surely looks very surprised to see the eagle in the reverse.

 

one of the reasons I like Constantine VLPP's from Siscia is because of the eyes.












change the lyrics to "he's got Siscian VLPP eyes"...it's super catchy

 

The eyes are always interesting in this issue.
Byzantine Empire, Tiberius II Constantine, 26 September 578 - 14 August 582 A.D. 31.3mm 10.57gm

 

Very nice portraits, Victor. You have sharp eyes to locate such beauties.

 

Agree. Yours is a nice coin, and it has a large size as well.