Gemini III, January 9th, 2007



                  Lot # 518 - Auction is closed.Estimate: US$2000 / Price 
                  Realized: US$1700 
                  Justinian II. Gold solidus 



             



            Justinian II. (second reign, 705-711 AD). Gold solidus (4.23 gm). 
            Constantinople, c. 705 AD. d N IhSChS REX REGNANTIUM, facing bust of 
            Christ, with beard and curly hair, wearing pallium over colobium, 
            right hand raised in benediction, left holding book of Gospels, 
            cross behind head/ D (retrograde) N IUSTINIANUS M[U]LTUS AN’, bust 
            of Justinian II, with mustache and close beard, wearing loros and 
            crown with cross on circlet, holding in right hand cross potent on 
            base and three steps, in left patriarchal cross on globe inscribed 
            PAX. Berk 200. MIB 1. DO 1. Sear 1413. Exceptionally well struck. 
            Second portrait of Christ. Mint state. 

            It is rather ironic that such a violent emperor as Justinian II 
            would be the only Byzantine ruler to utilize the Pax type on his 
            coinage. 




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  ... Lot 518 sold for high bid of $1700 [ $1955, or approx 1511.215 EUR, 997.05 GBP including the 15% buyers fee.] 


Re-used by permission of Harlan J Berk (www.harlanjberk.com) and
                         Freeman & Sear (www.freemanandsear.com)