JUSTIN I GOLD SOLIDUS – FIRST APPEARANCE OF ANGEL ON COINS – CHOICE MINT STATE NGC GRADED ROMAN BYZANTINE COIN (INV. 19957)

$3,500.00

19957. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. JUSTIN I, AD 518–527.
Gold Solidus, 4.49 g, 20 mm. Issue of Constantinople, officina B, 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 B, Angel standing, facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger, star at right, CONOB in exergue.
Sear 56.
NGC graded CHOICE MINT STATE, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, a spectacular, high–grade coin, the angel with full facial features clearly struck from a fresh die. This series marks the first appearance of an angel on a coin, the new Christian messenger replacing Victoria, its pagan predecessor.