Justinian I

527-565

Justinian was fortunate on two accounts. On the one hand he benefitted from Anastasius's shrewd financial administration which left his treasury full and the economy in great shape. On the other he had the good fortune of having at his command the incomparably able general Belisarius, a man whose military genius and personal character might have been the equal of Trajan.

Through the loyal Belisarius, the emperor went on an ambitious expedition to retake the lands lost to the Vandals in Africa; an effort last tried under the fiasco led by Basiliscus the previous century. After Belisarius ousted the Vandals he went on to push the various barbarian tribes out of Italy and for the most part succeeded on this challenging task. After retaking Rome he had to endure a withering siege by the barbarian king Vitiges who tried his hardest to retake the ancient capital. But Belisarius was the better commander and used his modest resources with supreme skill and eventually the barbarians retreated.

But all this glory belonged to Belisarius who by merit and character would have made a great military emperor. Justinian himself was a cowardly, greedy and otherwise lackluster ruler who was heavily influenced by his equally unremarkable wife Theodora.

Nonetheless, Justinian's reign marked the birth of a golden age for the Byzantine empire and during his lifetime it would see its greatest influence and the almost complete restoration of the territorial borders of the old Roman empire. He died in 565 of advanced age and was succeeded by Justin II.

AU Solidus


SB 137, DOC I 3a AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVI - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over shoulder and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGA Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding cross and globus cruciger. 527-538 (Constantinople). $340 1/15/02.


SB 137, DOC I 3 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVI - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over shoulder and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGI Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding cross and globus cruciger. 527-538 (Constantinople). $750 5/22/04.


SB 137, DOC I 3f AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVI - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over shoulder and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGS Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding cross and globus cruciger. 527-538 (Constantinople). $400 1/15/02.


SB 137, DOC I 3 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVI - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over shoulder and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGΓ Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding cross and globus cruciger. 527-538 (Constantinople). $350 9/22/04.


SB 137, DOC I 3 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVI - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over shoulder and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGΔ Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding cross and globus cruciger. 527-538 (Constantinople). $440 9/25/02.


SB 138, DOC I 7, MIB 22 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGG Exe: /CONOB - Angel standing facing, holding long cross in right hand and globe in left. $525 9/24/03.


SB 139, DOC I 8 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVI - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGA Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding cross and globus cruciger. 538-545 (Constantinople). $400 5/21/03.


SB 139, DOC I 8f AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVI - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGH Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding cross and globus cruciger. 538-545 (Constantinople). $300 4/1/01.


SB 139, DOC I 8 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVI - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGS Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding cross and globus cruciger. 538-545 (Constantinople). $450 5/22/02.


SB 139, DOC I 8 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVI - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGG∈ Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding cross and globus cruciger. 538-545 (Constantinople).


SB 140, DOC I 9b AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGB Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding Christogram scepter and globus cruciger. 545-565 (Constantinople).


SB 140, DOC I 9a AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGA Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding Christogram scepter and globus cruciger. 545-565 (Constantinople).


SB 140, DOC I 9j AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGH Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding Christogram scepter and globus cruciger. 545-565 (Constantinople). $575 1/12/05.


SB 140, DOC I 9f AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGS Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding Christogram scepter and globus cruciger. 545-565 (Constantinople).


SB 140, DOC I 9 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGZ Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding Christogram scepter and globus cruciger. 545-565 (Constantinople).


SB 140, DOC I 9 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGΓ Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding Christogram scepter and globus cruciger. 545-565 (Constantinople).


SB 140, DOC I 9i AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGθ Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding Christogram scepter and globus cruciger. 545-565 (Constantinople). $250 4/1/01.


SB 140, DOC I 278, Hahn 73 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGGIB Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding Christogram scepter and globus cruciger. 545-565 (Constantinople). $725 1/12/04.


SB 173a, MIB 20 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over shoulder and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGG Exe: //CONOB - Victory standing left, holding cross. 527-542 (Constantinopolis).


SB 250, DOC I 277 AU Solidus Obv: Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGG(indictional year IA) Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger. 547-548 (Carthage). $1150 9/25/02.


SB 288b, MIB I 30 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGG Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding cross and cross on globe. 537-542 (Rome).


SB 290, DOC I 319, MIB 28 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGG Exe: /ROMOB - Victory standing facing, holding cross and cross on globe. 537-542 (Rome).


SB 291, DOC I 320, MIB 34 AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield.
Rev: VICTORIA AVCCC• Exe: /CONOB - Victory standing facing, holding P-headed cross and globus cruciger. 542-546 (Rome). $1,200 9/24/03.


SB 328d AU Solidus Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted and cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman spearing a fallen enemy.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGGG Exe: /CONOB - Angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger. 552-565 (Sicily). $3,000 1/16/02.

AU Tremissis


SB 145, DOC I 19 AU Tremissis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGVSTORVM Exe: /CONOB - Victory advancing left with wreath and globus. (Constantinople). $159 2/22/05.


SB 343, DOC I 376, MIB 27.1v AU Tremissis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVI - Diademed and draped bust right.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGVSTORVM Exe: /CONOB - Victory walking right and looking back, holding wreath and globus cruciger. 550-565 (Spain). $750 9/25/02.

AU Half Tremissis


CNG Triton VIII #1309 Half Tremissis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGVSTORVM Exe: /CONOB - Victory advancing forward, holding wreath and cross on globe. 527-565 (Constantinople). $2,600 1/12/05.

AR Miliarense


SB 149, DOC I 23 Heavy Miliarense Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: GLORIAROMANORVM Exe: /COB - Justinian I standing left, holding spear and resting hand on shield. 527-537 (Constantinopolis). $1,900 1/12/05.


SB 154, DOC I 27, MIB 47 Light Miliarense Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left.
Rev: GLORIAROMANORVM Exe: /COB - Justinian I standing left, raising hand and holding globe. 527-537 (Constantinopolis). $1,600 1/12/05.

AR Siliqua


SB 157, DOC I 27 AR Siliqua Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VOT/MVLT/MTI Exe: CONOB - Legend in three lines within wreath. (Constantinople). $545 5/22/02.


SB 254, Hahn 53 AR Siliqua Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: No legend - Wreath, monogram within. 537-552 (Carthage).

AR Half Siliqua


SB 253, DOC I 280 Half Siliqua Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VOT/MVLT/MTI Exe: CONOB - Legend in three lines within wreath. (Carthage).

AR 250 Nummi


SB 314, MIB 66, DOC I 334f 250 Nummi Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large CN Exe: X - Wreath, legend within. 552-565 (Ravenna).

AE Follis (40 Nummi)


SB 127, DOC I 12 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large M Exe: NIKM - Cross above, to left, A under and cross to right. (Nicomedia).


SB 158 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large M Exe: CON - Cross above, to left and right. (Constantinople). $18 9/1/02.


SB 159 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large M Exe: CON - Cross above, to left and right. (Constantinople).


SB 160 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Cuirassed and helmeted bust facing, holding globus cruciger; cross in right field.
Rev: Large M Exe: /CON - Cross above, stars to either side. (Constantinople).


SB 163, DOC I 37, MIB 95 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Cuirassed and helmeted bust facing, holding globus cruciger; cross in right field.
Rev: Large M Exe: /CON - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Constantinople). $150 9/24/03.


SB 163, DOC I 37, MIB 95a AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Cuirassed and helmeted bust facing, holding globus cruciger; cross in right field.
Rev: Large M Exe: /CON - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Constantinople).


SB 164, DOC I 33 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVI - Cuirassed and helmeted bust facing, holding globus cruciger; cross in right field.
Rev: Large M Exe: /CON - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Constantinople).


SB 198 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large M Exe: /NIKM - Cross above and to right and to left. (Nicomedia).


SB 201, DOC I 120, MIB 112 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Cuirassed and helmeted bust facing, holding globus cruciger; cross in right field.
Rev: Large M Exe: /NIKO - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Nicomedia). $400 5/22/02.


SB 207, DOC I 118 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Cuirassed and helmeted bust facing, holding globus cruciger; cross in right field.
Rev: Large M Exe: /KYZ - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Cyzicus). $66 9/25/02.


SB 216, DOC I 210 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large M Exe: /+THEUP+ - Cross above and on either side. (Antioch).


SB 218, MIB 143, DOC I 215a AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield; cross to right.
Rev: Large M Exe: /ΘYΠO - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Antioch).


SB 220, DOC I 218 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield; cross to right.
Rev: Large M Exe: /HUr - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Antioch).


SB 221, DOC I 225 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVI - Bust facing, in helmet with plume and diadem with trefoil ornament in front, and cuirass; in right hand, globe cross; on left shoulder, shield with horseman device; in field right cross.
Rev: Large M Exe: /HUP - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Antioch).


SB 261, DOC I 292 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger and shield with horseman.
Rev: Large M Exe: /CAR - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left; all within wreath. (Carthage).


SB 292, DOC I 321, MIB 214 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAC - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large M Exe: ROMA - Cross above, regnal date to right and to left; all within wreath. c.540-542 (Rome).


SB 294, DOC I 322 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large M Exe: ROMA - Cross above and to right, to left; all within wreath. c.540-542 (Rome).


SB 323, DOC I 344 AE Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman spearing a fallen enemy; cross in right field.
Rev: Large M Exe: RAVEN/NA - Cross above, XXX to right and ANNO to left. [This specimen is overstruck on a coin of Antoninus Pius!]. (Ravenna). $675 5/22/02.

AE 33 Nummi


SB 246 33 Nummi Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield; cross in right field.
Rev: Large ΛΓ with cross above Exe: AΛ∈Z.

AE Half Follis (20 Nummi)


SB 165, DOC 62 AE Half Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Cuirassed and helmeted bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman spearing a fallen enemy; cross in right field.
Rev: Large K Exe: - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Constantinople). $250 5/22/02.


SB 174 AE Half Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Cuirassed and helmeted bust facing, holding globus cruciger; cross in right field.
Rev: Large K Exe: TES - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Thessalonica).


SB 203, MIB 116a, DOC I 153 AE Half Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield; cross in right field.
Rev: Large K Exe: NI - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Nicomedia).


SB 208 AE Half Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, facing bust of Justinian holding shield and globe with a cross atop.
Rev: Large K Exe: Y over Z - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Cyzicus).


SB 224 AE Half Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANYSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large - Cross to left with ANTX around and regnal date to right. (Antioch).


SB 230 AE Half Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, facing bust of Justinian holding shield and globe with a cross atop.
Rev: Large K Exe: O over Π - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Cyzicus).


SB 265, DOC I 294 AE Half Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, facing bust of Justinian holding shield and globe with a cross atop.
Rev: Large K Exe: SO/KAR - Cross above and to right and ANNO to left. (Carthage). $68 9/19/02.


SB 266, MIB I 197, DOC I 295 AE Half Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield; cross to right.
Rev: Large K Exe: S/CAR - Cross above, regnal date to right and ANNO to left. (Carthage).


SB 301, DOC I 325 AE Half Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large K, left and cross right. 540-542 (Rome).

AE 16 Nummi


SB 175 AE 16 Nummi Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: AISP with small cross above 'I' Exe: TES. 538-542 (Thessalonica).


SB 177 AE 16 Nummi Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: /AISP/T+E+S. 527-539 (Thessalonica). $57 9/26/02.

AE 12 Nummi (Dodecanummium)


SB 247, DOC I 274 AE 12 Nummi Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large IB, cross between Exe: AΛ. (Alexandria).

AE 10 Nummi (Decanummium or Quarter Follis)


SB 166, DOC I 34 AE Quarter Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: I Exe: CON - on either side of letter. (Constantinople).


SB 167 AE Quarter Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: I Exe: CON - ANNO to left, regnal years to right. (Constantinople).


SB 205 AE Quarter Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: I Exe: NIK - ANNO to left, cross above "I" and XXX to right. (Nicomedia).


SB 306 AE Quarter Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: I Exe: ROMA - Cross above and on either side. (Roma).


SB 326 AE Quarter Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Helmeted, cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger.
Rev: I - ANNO to left, date in Roman numerals to right. (Ravenna).


SB 333, DOC I 364 AE Quarter Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Cross, star in each corner. (Ravenna). $250 9/24/03.


SB 353 AE Quarter Follis Obv: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAV - Helmeted, cuirassed, facing bust, holding cross on globe and shield.
Rev: I - ANNO to left, regnal years to right; all in wreath. (Ravenna). $100 9/24/03.

AE 8 Nummi


SB 191 AE Fifth of Follis Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large H between A and P, Chi-Ro above (Thessalonica). $38 11/21/04.


CNG 60 #1985 AE Fifth of Follis Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large H between A and P, θIW above. (Thessalonica). $525 5/22/02.


Unlisted AE Fifth of Follis Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large H between A and P, IWK above. (Thessalonica).

AE 5 Nummi


SB 170, DOC I 96 AE Pentanummus Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large E, monogram to right. 538-542 (Constantinople).


SB 171 AE Pentanummus Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large E, cross to right. (Constantinople).


SB 197a AE Pentanummus Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTOR - Justinian I standing facing, holding spear and globe.


SB 240 AE Pentanummus Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Tyche of Antioch in shrine; ∈ to left.


SB 243, MIB 162 AE Pentanummus Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large E, monogram to right.


SB 245 AE Pentanummus Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large C, elaborate monogram within.


SB 363 AE Pentanummus Obv: Monogram.
Rev: Large ∈; Δ to right.

AE 4 Nummi


SB 195, DOC I 101 AE Four Nummus Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large Δ; A to left, P to right. 538-542 (Thessalonica).

AE 2 Nummi


SB 196a AE Double Nummus Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large B; A to left, P to right. c.527-538 (Thessalonica).

AE Nummus


SB 173, DOC I 36 Nummus Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Large A. (Constantinopolis). $45 4/26/05.