Byzantine Gold & Power: The Coins of Justinian the Great
Holding a Justinian solidus is like gripping a piece of Byzantine propaganda. This wasn’t just money—it was a masterclass in political theater, stamped in gold and bronze. Every coin told subjects: “God rules heaven, but Justinian rules Earth.”
Divine Right, Struck in Metal
Justinian’s coins were the empire’s billboards:
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Gold solidi: Featured Christograms and crosses so large, they practically shouted “This empire has Jesus on speed dial.”
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Bronze folles: Bore his portrait like a 6th-century Twitter avatar—ubiquitous and unavoidable.
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Victory icons: Showed angels stomping on enemies (the original “humble brag”).
Pro tip: Look for coins minted in Carthage (CAR)—many were melted-down Vandal coins. Nothing says “We won” like recycling your foes’ currency.
The Mint Network: Ancient Globalization
Justinian didn’t just conquer—he monetized. His mints were strategic:
| Mint | Mark | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|---|
| Constantinople | CON | HQ—coins so crisp, Belisarius paid troops with them |
| Ravenna | RV | Italian reconquest cash, often overstruck Gothic coins |
| Carthage | CAR | Funded the grain supply (and Byzantine bureaucrats’ dinners) |
| Antioch | THEUP | Eastern trade hub—siliquae here bought Persian silk |
Fun fact: The “PP” in DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG didn’t mean “Perpetual Augustus”—it stood for “Pay Attention, Peasants.” (Okay, we made that up. But it fits.)
Why These Coins Still Captivate
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The gold standard: Literally. His solidus was medieval Europe’s reserve currency.
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The drama: Each coin is a tiny history book—reconquests, plagues, and all.
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The hunt: Finding a tremissis with clear mint marks is like uncovering Byzantine receipts.
Collector’s cheat sheet:
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Best starter piece: A follis with visible “M” (40 nummi)—affordable and historic.
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Holy grail: A solidus from the Hagia Sophia’s construction years (532–537 AD).
Justinian’s Greatest Trick?
His coins outlasted his empire. Islamic caliphs copied them. Vikings traded them. Modern collectors obsess over them. Not bad for a guy who never saw a budget surplus.
Want to own Byzantine power? [TrustedDealer.com] has authenticated solidi—because eBay sellers shouldn’t be your source for 1,500-year-old gold.
