The epic Byzantine portrait thread

[mc9]

Justinus II :

D N IVSTI-NVS P P AVC: diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Justin right

VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM // CONOB : Victory advancing right, head left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; star to right

AV tremissis, Constantinople, AD 565-578, Sear 353

DN IVSTI - NVS PP AVG : Justin and Sophia, both nimbate, enthroned facing; Justin holding globus cruciger and Sophia holding cruciform sceptre; cross above

Large K with ANNO to left ; cross above, date across field; KYZ

Æ 20 Nummi,Cyzicus, A.D.573 – 574, Sear 373

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

It's 12:00 o'clock and thus, time for a new character in the epic saga of Byzantium who struck coins with very interesting depictions of himself and his wife Sophia.

A nephew and close adviser of the Byzantine emperor Justinian, Justin II became emperor in November 565 following his death. He began his reign on a note of resolution and common sense; he paid state debts, remitted overdue taxes, and reduced expenditures. Justin allowed a measure of toleration to the dissident Monophysite Christians.

Initially, he hoped to bring about a union of their factions and then unite them with the Orthodox church. In March 571, however, he inaugurated a persecution and issued a lengthy anti-Monophysite creed that all clergy were required to sign under penalty of imprisonment.

In the West, despite an alliance with the Franks, Justin was unable to prevent the Lombards from entering Italy in 568, and portions of the province were soon permanently lost. His relations with the Avars and Persians were marked by similar reverses. He concluded an alliance with the Western Turks of Central Asia against the Avars and Persians. After campaigning against the Avars, who were ravaging the Danube frontier, he was forced to come to terms with them.

The treaty stipulated that the Byzantines pay a yearly tribute. The Western Turks, angered by this development, not only broke off their alliance with Justin but also seized a Byzantine stronghold on the Crimean Peninsula. Part of Armenia then revolted against Persian rule and requested assistance from the Byzantines. The following summer, Justin’s forces invaded the country. The Persians repulsed the Byzantines and then counterattacked, capturing a number of important cities, including Dara which fell in November. After learning of the fall of Dara, Justin became insane.

Induced by Sophia to adopt as his son the general Tiberius, Justin conferred on him the title of Caesar in December 574. Thereafter, Justin, although nominally still emperor, lived in retirement until his death.

Justin II and Sophia, AE Follis. 31.4 mm 13.79 grams

Obverse: DN IVSTINVS PP AVG, Justin on left holding cross on globe and Sophia on right, holding scepter topped by cross, both nimbate, seated facing on double-throne

Reverse: Large M, ANNO to left, cross above, regnal year to right (year III), officina letter below, mintmark CON.

Reference: SB 360, MIB 43. (492 (!) combinations known). 

[Severus Alexander]

I figured we’d see a delightful array of Justinians, and I wasn’t wrong!

Not surprisingly, a lot of favourite portraits were on the biggest coins.  In my case, I think my favourite may be on this Antioch decanummium, though:

It seems to me that the Antioch mint often shows some of the best artistry, as we can see on @Simon's lovely pre-reform (profile) follis, and @robinjojo's amazing late follis (year 38... I don't have my Sear with me right now, is that the last year of issue?)

I was glad to see the enthroned portraits from @Valentinian and @robinjojo (only at Antioch, as Valentinian notes). I only have this somewhat rough half:

Lots of fabulous (and huge!) early post-reform folles above, almost exclusively from Constantinople and Nicomedia (with the only exception being the year 13 Antioch from @robinjojo). I love all of those, @Al Kowsky, @Nerosmyfavorite68, @Octavius, @sand, and @Pellinore! I can contribute two:

^ I believe we only saw one first-issue (year 12) above, a Nicomedia, so this coin adds Constantinople.

^ I was surprised at the lack of Cyzicus above. This coin is a challenger for my favourite portrait, and probably displaces the Antioch decanummium on a good day!

Later in the reign the output at Cyzicus declined dramatically. This decanummium is one of my favourite portraits for being so bad:

(As we move on, you'll see I have a special fondness for the low-artistry portraits at Cyzicus and Nicomedia!)

Good to see a Rome issue, from @robinjojo. Doesn't anyone have the full follis? (Here's my half:

)

My favourite profile portrait is on this pentanummium:

Although this Carthage is a strong challenger (so cute!):

I also have a pretty decent Constantinople pre-reform profile follis:

^ note the star-on-shoulder again... I do love these!

I have one portrait in silver that I like. It may be an official Ravenna issue (half siliqua) or perhaps a Lombard imitation:

Some final comments: @mc9 - Yes, what a nose! (not to mention the hands-free microphone! die break? overstrike?)

@Broucheion: I'm loving your sequence of Alexandria coins! That's a mint I need to do a better job of.

@Nerosmyfavorite68: Amazing that you have a full follis from Ravenna! That mid-reign Antioch is great too.

I see I've crossed the 3pm line while writing this post.  I'd better stop writing and click submit!

Edited June 7, 2023 by Severus Alexander

[Valentinian]

Most AE coins of Justin II include Sophia. Here is one that does not:

Sear 378 from Antioch. 2/3 nice and 1/3 flat struck.
Large at 33 mm and 19.35 grams. 
Struck year 1 

Here is the corresponding 20-nummus piece.

Sear 380, also year 1 at Antioch (called "Theopolis" in this time period)
28-26 mm. 11.68 grams.

Next is a 5-nummus piece, also from Antioch.

Sear 386. 15-14 mm and 1.41 grams. A monogram/Є+
with Є for "5".

We spell "Sophia" with "ph", but at Carthage they spelled it with "F":

Sear 395.  22.5-21.7 mm.  8.62 grams.
KAR for Carthage. "S" in the usual position of an officina number. It is unclear what that means. I have seen an academic guess that there was only one officina and "S" stands for "solo". 
The obverse legend is clear and legible except for "VITA" which is (unusually for an obverse) supposed to be in exergue. 




 

[wittwolff]

[Jims,Coins]

minted at Cyzicus during the reign of Justin II w/ Sophia between 15 Nov. 565 – 5 Oct. 578, with a regnal date of 574/5. Obv. D.N.IVSTINVS.P.P.AVG.: Justin on l., Sophia, on r., seated facing on double throne, both nimbate (except for some specimens of unusual style dated year 10); he holds gl. Cr., she holds cruciform sceptre; with cross between their heads. Rev. Large M between A/N/N/O, and numerals representing regnal year; above, cross; beneath Officina letter, in ex. KYZ. BCVS #372. CBE #10

 

 

[Simon]

Bug People Harlan Berk Called these coins. At least Sophia still has eyes. I got this one at a FUN Show before the pandemic.

Justin II and Sophia 569 AD SBCV-369 14.7gm and 32.76mm

Justin II, 565-578. Pentanummium (Bronze, 15 mm, 1.90 g, 5 h), Theoupolis (Antiochia). Monogram of Justin II. Rev. Large Є; in field to right, cross. DOC 186. MIB 65a. SB 386. Attractive earthen highlights. Very fine

Edited June 8, 2023 by Simon

[ewomack]

I guess this one appeared just in time (namely, today)

Justin II & Sophie (Year 5, 569 - 570), Æ Follis, 31.4mm, 11.83g, Nicomedia, Obv: DN IVUSTINUS PP AVG Justin II and Sophie seated facing forward, each with nimbus, holding globus cruciger and cruciform scepter; Rev: ANNO U, large M surmounted by cross, with B below, NIKO in exergue, Sear 369

[Al Kowsky]

19 hours ago, Ancient Coin Hunter said:

It's 12:00 o'clock and thus, time for a new character in the epic saga of Byzantium who struck coins with very interesting depictions of himself and his wife Sophia.

A nephew and close adviser of the Byzantine emperor Justinian, Justin II became emperor in November 565 following his death. He began his reign on a note of resolution and common sense; he paid state debts, remitted overdue taxes, and reduced expenditures. Justin allowed a measure of toleration to the dissident Monophysite Christians.

Initially, he hoped to bring about a union of their factions and then unite them with the Orthodox church. In March 571, however, he inaugurated a persecution and issued a lengthy anti-Monophysite creed that all clergy were required to sign under penalty of imprisonment.

In the West, despite an alliance with the Franks, Justin was unable to prevent the Lombards from entering Italy in 568, and portions of the province were soon permanently lost. His relations with the Avars and Persians were marked by similar reverses. He concluded an alliance with the Western Turks of Central Asia against the Avars and Persians. After campaigning against the Avars, who were ravaging the Danube frontier, he was forced to come to terms with them.

The treaty stipulated that the Byzantines pay a yearly tribute. The Western Turks, angered by this development, not only broke off their alliance with Justin but also seized a Byzantine stronghold on the Crimean Peninsula. Part of Armenia then revolted against Persian rule and requested assistance from the Byzantines. The following summer, Justin’s forces invaded the country. The Persians repulsed the Byzantines and then counterattacked, capturing a number of important cities, including Dara which fell in November. After learning of the fall of Dara, Justin became insane.

Induced by Sophia to adopt as his son the general Tiberius, Justin conferred on him the title of Caesar in December 574. Thereafter, Justin, although nominally still emperor, lived in retirement until his death.

Justin II and Sophia, AE Follis. 31.4 mm 13.79 grams

Obverse: DN IVSTINVS PP AVG, Justin on left holding cross on globe and Sophia on right, holding scepter topped by cross, both nimbate, seated facing on double-throne

Reverse: Large M, ANNO to left, cross above, regnal year to right (year III), officina letter below, mintmark CON.

Reference: SB 360, MIB 43. (492 (!) combinations known). 

Interesting writeup 😊.

[Al Kowsky]

19 hours ago, Severus Alexander said:

I figured we’d see a delightful array of Justinians, and I wasn’t wrong!

Not surprisingly, a lot of favourite portraits were on the biggest coins.  In my case, I think my favourite may be on this Antioch decanummium, though:

It seems to me that the Antioch mint often shows some of the best artistry, as we can see on @Simon's lovely pre-reform (profile) follis, and @robinjojo's amazing late follis (year 38... I don't have my Sear with me right now, is that the last year of issue?)

I was glad to see the enthroned portraits from @Valentinian and @robinjojo (only at Antioch, as Valentinian notes). I only have this somewhat rough half:

Lots of fabulous (and huge!) early post-reform folles above, almost exclusively from Constantinople and Nicomedia (with the only exception being the year 13 Antioch from @robinjojo). I love all of those, @Al Kowsky, @Nerosmyfavorite68, @Octavius, @sand, and @Pellinore! I can contribute two:

^ I believe we only saw one first-issue (year 12) above, a Nicomedia, so this coin adds Constantinople.

^ I was surprised at the lack of Cyzicus above. This coin is a challenger for my favourite portrait, and probably displaces the Antioch decanummium on a good day!

Later in the reign the output at Cyzicus declined dramatically. This decanummium is one of my favourite portraits for being so bad:

(As we move on, you'll see I have a special fondness for the low-artistry portraits at Cyzicus and Nicomedia!)

Good to see a Rome issue, from @robinjojo. Doesn't anyone have the full follis? (Here's my half:

)

My favourite profile portrait is on this pentanummium:

Although this Carthage is a strong challenger (so cute!):

I also have a pretty decent Constantinople pre-reform profile follis:

^ note the star-on-shoulder again... I do love these!

I have one portrait in silver that I like. It may be an official Ravenna issue (half siliqua) or perhaps a Lombard imitation:

Some final comments: @mc9 - Yes, what a nose! (not to mention the hands-free microphone! die break? overstrike?)

@Broucheion: I'm loving your sequence of Alexandria coins! That's a mint I need to do a better job of.

@Nerosmyfavorite68: Amazing that you have a full follis from Ravenna! That mid-reign Antioch is great too.

I see I've crossed the 3pm line while writing this post.  I'd better stop writing and click submit!

Nice selection 🤩. The well struck Cyzicus follis on an oversized flan with perfect centering steals the show 😉.

[Al Kowsky]

14 hours ago, Simon said:

Bug People Harlan Berk Called these coins. At least Sophia still has eyes. I got this one at a FUN Show before the pandemic.

Justin II and Sophia 569 AD SBCV-369 14.7gm and 32.76mm

Justin II, 565-578. Pentanummium (Bronze, 15 mm, 1.90 g, 5 h), Theoupolis (Antiochia). Monogram of Justin II. Rev. Large Є; in field to right, cross. DOC 186. MIB 65a. SB 386. Attractive earthen highlights. Very fine

I like the "bug people" 🕷️. Where I live this is the season for the dreaded stink bugs.

                                  

 

[mc9]

Justinius II : monogram . From who is the second monogram? There is a T and E to the right.

JUSTIN II
Large Є; K to right
Monogram nr 8
Pentanummium, Kyzikos, A.D.565-578, Sear 375

Large Є,cross to right

Monogram nr ?

Pentanummium, Theoupolis Antioch, A.D. 565-578, Sear ?

Thanks!

[robinjojo]

Here are a couple of Justin II folles that I posted before.

Justin II and Sophia follis, Cyzicus, 565-578 AD, officina A, year ten.  Possibly a "military mint" issue.

9.66 grams 

During Justin II's reign a floating mint existed during the Avar and Persian wars.  Folles were issued with reginal year dates of ten and eleven, with ten being the most common, and Cyzicus being the most common mint..  A distinguishing feature of these is the oval shaped figures on the obverse.  Also, the officina A and year X on the reverse are oversized compared to folles from other mints at the time.

This is not a rare coin, though scarcer than the seated folles normally encountered.  They do show up from time to time.  This coin came from a Byzantine coin lot from Israel. The flan is quite irregular and the obverse was struck with a worn die.

 

Justin II, AE follis, Antioch, Year 1,  565-66 AD officina A.

SB 378

15.8 grams

This is my Justin II portrait coin, from a lot from Roma Numismatics.  It is unevenly struck, but the portrait is nice.

 

And one more acquired a few years ago from a Roma Numismatics group lot.

Justin II and Sophia follis, Nicomedia, Year 7, officina B.  From Roma E-Sale 59,  group lot 1288.

SB 369

12.8 grams

 

Edited June 8, 2023 by robinjojo

[Rand]

Justin II. 565-578. Solidus. 4.42 g. Thessalonica mint. 

CNG puts 'Struck circa 570.', but I could not find a good reason for the date. These Thessalonica solidi are too scarce to be produced during the whole reign. It would be interesting to know when and why the mint produced them.

Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. Auction 93. 22/05/2013

[Hrefn]

Two tremisses and a semissis of Justin II.

The first coin is in high relief compared with the second, which is notably flat.  I have some suspicion it may be of Justin I, but I am unsure.  From Superior Stamp and Coin Auction 12/1998, lot #1310.   

The second coin is in low relief, but the flan is well centered.  From Pegasi Numismatics.  Purchase date not recorded.

The third coin, the semissis, is the most recent purchase, from Allen Berman, 7/2021. Some marginal graffiti and a nick mainly affect the area outside the annulus.  The portrait is great, though.  

[Hrefn]

Here are the solidi.

1.) Probably the earliest portrait of Justin.  The stippling along his jaw is said to be a “mourning beard” so this may be his accession issue.  Constantinople mint.  I obtained this coin in 3/2001, with a tag of Ponterio and Associates sale #84 lot #006, with Nov 12, 1996 written in.  Does anyone have the old sale list?

2.) The standard Justin II of Constantinople, with a star in the reverse field.  From Dr. Saslow 11/1998.  

3.) Another, no star on the reverse and particularly bold portrait.  Acquired 3/2001 at the Bay State Coin Show.  

4.) Light weight solidus.  Note OB*+* in the exergue on the reverse.  From Economopoulos Numismatics.  Constantinople?

5.) Solidus of Carthage.  From Edward Waddell, Ltd, at the Boston Coin Show, 19 March 1994.  Shares an obverse die with a coin in Hahn and Metcalf’s Studies in Early Byzantine Coinage, p.47    Specimen 6.  

[Severus Alexander]

For portraits of Justin II alone, I have two fairly scarce coins from Carthage, a decanummium and a half siliqua:

He looks very forlorn in the first, and like Mick Jagger in the second. 😄 I like both portraits!

With Sophia (I love the bug-people thing, hadn't heard that before, @Simon!) I have this follis from Nicomedia, which I chose because they both have faces:

I'm jealous of all the lovely gold up there, and of @robinjojo's Antioch portrait!

[sand]

@mc9 Nice Justin II 20 nummi coin.

@Ancient Coin Hunter Nice Justin II 40 nummi coin, and interesting historical information.

@Severus Alexander Beautiful Justinian I folles from Constantinople and Cyzicus, and a nice Justin II 40 nummi coin.

@Valentinian Nice Justin II 20 nummi coin. I like how, one can see the name "SOFIA" on the obverse.

@Simon Nice Justin II 40 nummi coin.

@robinjojo Nice Justin II Nicomedia 40 nummi coin.

@Hrefn Beautiful Justin II solidi.

@John Conduitt Nice Justinian I 20 nummi coin.

@Rand Nice Justinian I solidi.

Here's my Justin II 40 nummi coin. It's interesting, that almost all Justin II 40 nummi coins, which I see on the market, show Justin II and Sophia seated on thrones. I see very few Justin II 40 nummi coins, which have a bust of Justin II without his queen. However, @Valentinian and @robinjojo each posted 1 in this thread.

Justin II AE 40 Nummi Follis. Regnal Year 9. 573 AD To 574 AD. Nicomedia Mint. Sear 369. DO 99b. Diameter 30.3 mm. Weight 13.32 grams. Obverse : Justin I And Sophia Seated On Thrones. Reverse : Large M Mint "NIKO" Officina A Under Large M.

Edited June 9, 2023 by sand

[Valentinian]

Coins of Tiberius II (578-582) begin with the date "year 4" because he had been associate ruler (without coins in his name) under Justin II and when Justin II died Tiberius II was already in his 4th year. He ruled with Sophia because Justin II was erratic (some say "insane"). Year 4 coins are scarcer than the other dates.

32-29 mm. 13.9 grams.
Year 4 at Nicomedia. Sear 440.

Year 5 saw a coin reform that increased the size of the follis. The next coin is large, almost a big as the large Justinian I folles.

37 mm. 16.30 grams. Year 5.
Sear 430. Constantinople.

In year 6 the flans are still large:

38-34 mm. 16.58 grams.
The dies are smaller than the flan. Again, Sear 430, but year 6.

By year 7 the coins were already smaller. 

For copper coins Tiberius II may be most famous for his "XXX" 30-nummia pieces:

34-32 mm. 12.46 grams. Sear 432. Constantinople.
The 30-nummia denomination is not unique to Tiberius II, but the vast majority of XXX coins are of Tiberius II. 

Let's see your coins of Tiberius II !
 

[wittwolff]

My only Tiberius II. coin:

[Broucheion]

Hi All,

TIBERIUS II CONSTANTINE (26 Sep 578 - 14 Aug 582 CE)
EGYPT, ALEXANDRIA Undated: ca 26 Sep 578 - 14 Aug 582 CE

Æ 12 Nummi
Size: 15x17 mm
Weight: 4.89 g
Axis: 11:00
Broucheion Collection B-1989-12-22.001

Obv: Constantius diademed and cuirassed bust facing right, holding globus cruciger in right hand. Legend: [DNCONSTAN]TINVS. Solid border.
Rev: Large IB with +P monogram between on globe above two steps. In exerge AΛЄΞ. Solid border.
Refs: Sear Byz-460; DOC-56; MIB I-63; Greirson pl 10 #157; BMC 142-145.
Prov: Ex-Empire Coins, List 49, Lot #128.

Notes from Grierson (1982) : "Wroth attributed the earliest dodecanummia to Justinian, but there is at Dumbarton Oaks a piece of good style which Ratto attributed, very plausibly, to Justin I, those of Justin II being much inferior in weight and workmanship. The type remained essentially unchanged throughout the century: on the obverse the emperor's name and a profile bust, on the reverse the marks of value IB on either side of a cross; with the mint-mark in the exergue . Minor variations were introduced under Tiberius II- the emperor sometimes holds a short cross, or the cross on the reverse is sometimes replaced by a TP monogram on steps - but his coins are unusually abundant for so short a reign and it seems probable that some of them, as happened elsewhere, were struck under Maurice. (The inscription includes only the Constantinus element in Tiberius' name.)"

- Broucheion

[Simon]

My Best. Ex Forum Coin. Delightful example. 

 Bronze follis, DOC I 31a, Wroth BMC 70, Tolstoi 52, Hahn MIB II 35, SBCV 441, Sommer 6.17, Morrisson BnF -, Ratto -, Choice gVF, full border centering on a broad flan, bold strike, brown tone, small edge split, 1st officina, Nicomedia (Izmit, Turkey) mint, weight 10.572g, maximum diameter 31.3mm, die axis 180^o, 581 - 14 Aug 582 A.D.; obverse Δm TIb CONSTANT P P AVG, crowned bust facing wearing consular robes, crown with cross and pendilia, mappa in right hand, eagle-tipped scepter in left hand, cross above eagle; reverse large M (40 nummi) between ANNO and ΣI/I (year 8), cross above, NIKOA (Nikomedia, 1st officina) in exergue 

[Severus Alexander]

Just a friendly reminder that the focus of the thread is portraits... so, for example, when posting multiple coins for a particular personality, it would be good to comment on which portrait you like best, and why. Or perhaps discuss how the portraiture varied over time, or from mint to mint.

I have only one coin of Tiberius II, maybe because it was hard to improve upon!

I do like the portrait, which is pretty typical style-wise for Constantinople.

@Valentinian notes above that by year 7 – only 2 years after the huge 37-38mm folles – the size had dropped quite a bit. My coin bears this out, at 31mm (and 12.2g).

My notes on the date of issue (year 7, 580/81):

In 580, the Roman Senate sent an embassy to Constantinople with a gift (3,000 pounds of gold) to emperor, along with a plea for help against the Lombards.  At the same time, the Avars invaded the lower Danube laying siege to Sirmium, and in 581 the Göktürks laid siege to Cherson (and raided in the area).  (The Göktürks, who overthrew the Avars north of China, were responsible for their move west.)  Meanwhile, a Byzantine army under command of Maurice with support of Arab Ghassanid forces under king Al-Mundhir III failed to capture the Persian capital, Ctesiphon, along the Euphrates. Maurice accused Mundhir III of treason and brought him to Constantinople to face trial; in response, Al-Nu'man VI, son of Mundhir III, led a revolt against the Byzantines.

Edited June 10, 2023 by Severus Alexander

[Jims,Coins]

Half Follis  – minted at Constantinople during the reign of Tiberius II Constantine between 26 Sep. 578 – 14 Aug. 582. Obv. Tib.CONSTANT.PP.AV.: Helmeted and cuir. bust facing, holding gl. cr. and shield. Rev. Large XX.; above, cross; in ex., CON (followed by Officina letter). BCVS #434. Facg bust/Large XX, CONB; F-VF, sl off-ctr on ragged flan, greenish-brown patina with some highlighting, obv lgnd nrly all clear, face visible. Minor roughness. 

[robinjojo]

Tiberius II Constantine, Cyzicus, AE 30 nummi, 578-582 AD.  From CNA XIX.

12.1 grams

 

Tiberius II Constantine, Antioch, AE follis, RY 6 (580/1 AD).

15.69 grams