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XP508 - ANASTASIUS (AD 491-518), AE Pentanummium, 11-12mm - 2.32 gr., Antioch mint, VF+/VF+, $45

Obverse: ANA(STASIVS PP AVG), Diademed, draped bust right.

Reverse: Large Epsilon, A [gamma] N to the right.

Reference: Sear #53

Comments: This post-reform 5 nummi piece is from the mint at Antioch c. 512-518. The A and N are the mint city indication surrounding the officina [gamma].

XP507 - JUSTIN I (AD 518-527), AE Pentanummium, 12+mm - 1.49 gr., Antioch mint, VF/VF+, $45

Obverse: DN IVSTINVS PP AVG [blundered], Diademed, draped bust right.

Reverse: The Tyche [city goddess] of Antioch seated left; retrograde epsilon to left; all within shrine.

Reference: Sear #111

Comments: Modest flan disturbance on obverse does not detract from this interesting coin of Antioch.

XP519 - JUSTINIAN I(AD 538-565), AV Solidus, 20mm - 4.56 gr., VF+/VF+, $300

Obverse: DN IVSTINI-ANVS PP AVG, Front facing, helmeted, cuirassed bust, holding globus cruciger (orb w/ cross) in right hand, shield in left.

Reverse: VICTORI-A AVGGG[gamma], Angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by cross/rho in right hand; globus cruciger in left hand; six point star in right field; CONOB in exergue.

Reference: Sear #140

Comments: Own this nice piece of Byzantine gold. It looks even nicer in your hand. Minor striking weakness 2-6 o'clock does not detract from the character of this coin.

XP518 - JUSTINIAN I(AD 538-565), AV Tremissis, 16mm - 1.53 gr., VF+/VF+, $210

Obverse: DN IVSTINI-ANVS PP AVG, Right facing, diademed, cuirassed bust.

Reverse: VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right, head left, holding wreath and globus cruciger, six point star in right field; CONOB in exergue.

Reference: Sear #145

Comments: A great low cost piece of Byzantine gold. Slight striking weakness keeps the legends from being sharp but overall a nice example of this type. The full flan and weight on this coin indicate that it was not clipped in antiquity.

XP285 - JUSTINIAN I(AD 538-565), AE Follis (35mm) - Cyzicus, VF/VF+, $75

Obverse: DN IVSTINI_ANVS PF AVI, Front facing, helmeted, cuirassed, holding globus cruciger (orb w/ cross) and shield; cross in right field.

Reverse: Large M, A/N/N/O in four lines in left field, X/II/I in three lines in right field, "cross" centered above M, officina mark B between the legs of the M, KYZ in exergue.

Reference: Sear #207, Berk #232

Comments: An outstanding example of a more popular type. This coin has nicely detailed features and a pleasing green patina. As indicated by the regnal year 23, this coin was minted about AD 549/550. An interesting die crack is seen running between the second N and the officina mark B which does not detract from the character of this coin. This neat little die crack may be of potential interest to converted EFO (Error, Freaks & Oddities) addicts.

XP287 - JUSTIN II & SOPHIA (AD 565-578), AE Half Follis (23mm) - Cyzicus, VF/VF, $45

Obverse: DN IVSTIN (VS PP AVG), Justin II on left, Sophia on right, both nimbate, seated facing on double throne; Justin II holds globus cruciger (orb with cross on top), Sophia holds a cruciform sceptre, chi-rho (partly visible) above heads.

Reverse: Large K, A/N/N/O in four lines in left field, III in right field, "cross" centered above K, KYZ in exergue.

Reference: Sear Byzantine #373, Berk #323.

Comments: This coin has much nicer style than is typical. The excellent detail in the obverse figures is also tough to come by. A uniform dark green patina covers this well centered coin. As indicated by the regnal year 3, this coin was minted about AD 567/568. Some moderate striking weakness is evident between 12 and 4 o'clock on the obverse which obscures the legends on this otherwise VF+ coin.

XP510 - MAURICE TIBERIUS (AD 582-602), AE Pentanummium, 13-15mm - 1.67 gr., Constantinople mint, VF+/VF+, $75

Obverse: DN MAVRIC PP AV), Diademed, draped bust right.

Reverse: Large Epsilon, A to the right.

Reference: Sear #501A

Comments: A great highlighting patina and the nearly full legend makes this coin an excellent example of this type.

XP515 - John III (AD 1222-1254), AV Hyperpyron 4.31g, (27mm) - Magnesia, VF/VF, $290

Obverse: Christ enthroned; IC (barred), XC (barred) on opposite sides of nimbus.

Reverse: John III standing facing on the left, crowned by Virgin Mary standing facing on the right.

Reference: Sear Byzantine #2073, Hendy pl.31,13-15

Comments: An excellent piece of late Byzantine gold with a nearly complete image of Christ. Minor edge flattening at 3 o'clock does not detract from this nice coin's appearance.

XP461 - John VIII, Paleologus (AD 1423-1448), AR Half-hyperpyron (Stavraton), (25mm), Constantinople, F+/F+, $100

Obverse: Facing bust of Christ.

Reverse: Legend in two lines around facing bust of John VIII.

Reference: Sear Byzantine #2563

Comments: The last affordable coin of the Byzantine Empire. Might as well own one this nice, (for type).