Justin II, Gold, Solidus, Alexandria, 565-578
Hussulo
Posts: 2,953 ✭✭✭
Another recent pickup.
Justin II, Gold, Solidus, 565-578. This one has the rare mint mark of the cross in the reverse field which donates it was struck in Alexandria. Sear 347. I don't think I've seen a better example of this type.
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Great example, congrats.
Not sure where I got the recommendation, but just read "Lest Darkness Fall" by L. Sprague de Camp. Very enjoyable, quick read. Talks about the Gothic War - so a little before this period I think. But I realized I know almost nothing from about Diocletian and Constantine until Charlemagne - a gap of about 500 years!
I like this coin and the other you posted from the Visigoths - hope you have some more to share.
My current "Box of 20"
Thanks Bob. Here is one I own without the cross in the field, so Constantinople mint
Isn't it amazing at just how far the artistic merit of Roman coins fell over a period of several centuries. You would think they would at least have tried to maintain some level of artistic quality on the gold coins.
In my view, the most beautiful coins were all Greek.
And I doubt the Greeks wanted to help folks in Constantinople...
That's why it's called the Dark Ages -
the skilled people all got killed from being overrun by armies too much....
Except the Hagia Sophia - how did they get that done??
(Maybe it wasn't as dark as I thought).
Some of the designs and artistry on Greek and Roman coins are undoubtedly breath taking. However, I find the almost line like drawings of the Byzantine coins really appealing. Plus it is a part of history I am enjoying reading about. I also feel the gold coins are undervalued and it makes a fascinating collecting subject as many of the emperor's only ruled for a couple of years, so there's lots to collect.
A bit impressionistic; I have no problem with that albeit that they are a bit derivative. Still, I like this imagery over the numerous repetitive depictions of Christ, etc. (OK don't strike me down, I know it is Easter season).
Well, just Love coins, period.
In approximately the 6th century the weather in Europe turned markedly colder - crops failed and those with weakened immune systems due to the malnutrition were likely compromised by disease. The foul weather, the maladies all had the effect of disrupting trade, politics etc. In essence life became more about just getting by and surviving, not so much artistry as was in the near past of that time.