Justinian I the Great (AD 527-565). AV solidus (19mm, 4.14 gm, 5h). NGC AU 5/5 - 2/5, scratches, brushed, edge filing. Rome, 1st officina, AD 547-549. D N IVSTINI-ANVS PP AVG, cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing, three large pellets on breastplate, wearing plumed helmet with pendilia, globus cruciger in right hand, shield decorated with horseman motif in left / VICTORI-A AVGGG A, Angel standing facing, staff surmounted by staurogram in right hand, globus cruciger in left; star with eight points in right field, CONOB in exergue. Sear -, cf. 291. DOC -, 320a. Extremely rare. An outstanding example of Justinian's issues from the recently recovered Rome mint. Sear and DOC both specifically denote the star on this issue has six rays, thus unlisted in both with this specimen having eight clear points. Sixty years after Rome slipped under the control of the Ostrogoths, the ancestral capital of the Empire was regained by East Roman forces, under the great general Belisarius, in May AD 536. Within three years, the Roman mint had reopened and began striking gold, silver, and bronze coins in the name of the reigning emperor, Justinian I "The Great." The early gold issues were of exceptional style, as exemplified by this lovely piece.

HID09801242017

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