JUSTIN I GOLD SOLIDUS – FIRST APPEARANCE OF AN ANGEL ON COINS – MINT STATE NGC GRADED BYZANTINE COIN (Inv. 21038)

RESERVED

21038. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. JUSTIN I, AD 518–527.
Gold Solidus, 4.48 g, 21 mm. Issue of Constantinople, officina A, AD 522–527.
Obv. D N IVSTINVS P P AVC, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justin slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman device. Rev. VICTORIA AVCCC A Angel standing, facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger, star at right, CONOB in exergue.
Sear 56.
NGC graded MINT STATE, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, a coin showing the first appearance of an angel as a numismatic personage. The new Christian messenger replaces Victoria, its pagan predecessor although the original legend of VICTORIA AVG remains the same.