The Coins of Emperor Justinian I: Legacy of a Byzantine Titan

Emperor Justinian I (r. 527–565 AD) is remembered as one of the most powerful and influential rulers of the Byzantine Empire. He envisioned a Roman revival, reconquering lost western territories and reshaping the laws of the empire. But beyond war and legislation, Justinian’s lasting imprint can be found on small, metallic canvases—his coins.

His coinage—especially his gold solidus—remains a benchmark of Byzantine monetary policy, art, and religious messaging. Each coin carried imperial imagery, Christological symbols, and inscriptions designed to reinforce the authority of the emperor and the unity of the Christian empire.

Historical Background of Justinian I

Born in 482 AD, Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Iustinianus rose from humble origins in modern-day North Macedonia to become emperor through the influence of his uncle, Emperor Justin I. Once crowned, Justinian embarked on a mission to:

• Reconquer the western Roman provinces (Italy, North Africa, and parts of Spain)

• Codify Roman law (Corpus Juris Civilis)

• Expand and beautify Constantinople (Hagia Sophia)

To fund his empire’s ambitions and promote unity, Justinian ensured his coinage was widely circulated, artistically refined, and ideologically potent.

Types of Coins Issued by Justinian I

1. Gold Coins

🟡 Solidus

• Weight: ~4.48 grams

• Diameter: 20–22 mm

• Obverse: Facing bust of Justinian, helmeted and with cuirass, holding a globe and cross.

• Reverse: Angel holding a long cross and a globus cruciger; mint mark below.

• Legend: DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG (Dominus Noster Justinianus Perpetuus Augustus)

🟡 Semissis (½ Solidus)

• Weight: ~2.24 grams

• Similar to solidus, but smaller in size.

🟡 Tremissis (⅓ Solidus)

• Weight: ~1.5 grams

• Often used for trade or diplomatic gifts.

2. Bronze Coins (Follis and its Fractions)

🟤 Follis (Large Bronze Coin)

• Weight: ~12–15 grams (varied by year/mint)

• Diameter: ~30–35 mm

• Obverse: Bust of Justinian with crown and robes

• Reverse: Large “M” (40 nummi), cross above, mintmark and regnal year in field

• Legend: DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG

🟤 Half-Follis, Decanummium, Pentanummium

• Representing 20, 10, and 5 nummi, respectively

• Displayed smaller letters (K, I, E)

• Used for everyday transactions in local markets

Mints That Issued Justinian’s Coins

Justinian expanded the imperial minting network. Major mints included:

Symbolism and Religious Imagery

Justinian’s coins marked a shift toward Christian iconography and imperial-theological unity. Key symbols include:

• Crosses: Appeared on globes, banners, and independently

• Angels: Often replacing pagan deities on reverse sides

• Christogram (Chi-Rho): Occasionally used in early coins

• Inscriptions: Praising God and connecting emperor to divine right

This coinage became one of the earliest to show a fusion of political and Christian authority, especially with angels and crosses appearing where Roman gods once stood.

Inscriptions and Legends

The legends on Justinian’s coins were essential in asserting legitimacy and continuity.

• “DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG”
  Dominus Noster Justinianus Perpetuus Augustus
  → “Our Lord Justinian, Eternal Augustus”

• “VICTORIA AVGGG”
  → “Victory of the Emperors” – A holdover from Roman times

• Mint + regnal year: e.g., CON OB or ANT XX

Economic Impact and Stability

Justinian’s gold solidus became a benchmark currency for international trade and was trusted even by enemies. The consistent weight and gold purity made it one of the most stable coins in antiquity.

His bronze coinage reformed Byzantine daily commerce, assigning numerical values (M = 40 nummi, K = 20, etc.), making transactions more transparent and unified.

Legacy of Justinian’s Coinage

Justinian’s coins not only preserved his image for centuries but also:

• Set a standard for Byzantine numismatics

• Influenced medieval and early Islamic coin design

• Were hoarded and imitated in Western Europe and the Islamic Caliphate

• Are still highly collectible, especially solidi and large follis types

Why Collect Justinian I Coins Today?

• 🔎 Rich historical significance

• 🏛️ Artistic and symbolic value

• 🪙 Variety of types for collectors

• 🌍 Widely found in ancient hoards

• 💰 Steady demand in the numismatic market

Conclusion

The coins of Emperor Justinian I offer more than just monetary relics—they are enduring artifacts of a ruler whose ambition shaped the medieval world. Whether you hold a gold solidus once gifted to a foreign envoy or a worn follis used in Constantinople’s markets, each coin is a window into the soul of a golden Byzantine age.

Justinian’s legacy lives on—etched in gold and bronze.