OUT OF ALL the 91 individuals who wore the crown of the Eastern Roman (or ) Empire, perhaps the most extraordinary story, and some of the most remarkable coinage, belongs to Justinian II, who became emperor at the age of 16 on July 10, 685 CE.

During Justinian II's troubled reign, a group of talented engravers worked at the imperial mint in Constantinople, creating coin portraits that were far more realistic and artistic than the crude stick-figure designs on so many previous - and subsequent - Byzantine issues.

Early Coins of Justinian II

Justinian II, first reign, 685-695. Gold Solidus, 4.27, Constantinople, 685/6. Nomos AG. Auction 14. 17 May 2017.Lot: 470. Realized: 4,200 CHF (approx. $4,291).

Justinian's earliest appearance on a coin is as a beardless adolescent, with sharp features and large, protruding eyes, on a fairly rare gold solidus. The emperor holds the globus cruciger or - a golden sphere topped by a cross, symbolizing the triumph of Christianity over the world. The obverse inscription (in Latin) simply translates to . The reverse is a cross on three steps-the traditional mark of value for the solidus-surrounded by the acclamation , and the mint mark CONOB meaning . High grade examples of this coin typically bring a few thousand dollars at auction.

Justinian II, first reign, 685-695. Gold Solidus, 4.40g. Constantinople, 686/7. CNG. Auction 117. 19 May 2021.Lot: 662. Realized: $3,000.

A year or two later, the young emperor had grown a short, neat beard, and this change is reflected in his coin portrait. Examples of this coin are more common than the earlier beardless issue.

To read the complete article, see:
Coins of Justinian II: The Emperor Who Lost His Nose(https://coinweek.com/coins-of-justinian-ii-the-emperor-who-lost-his-nose/)