174, Lot: 253. Estimate $100. Sold for $97. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Anonymous Issues. Time of Justinian I, 527-565. AR Half Siliqua (12mm, 0.65 g). Constantinople mint. Struck circa 530. Helmeted and draped bust of Constantinopolis right / Large K. Bendall, Anonymous 8d (fig. 17); Kent, "Urbs Roma and Constantinopolis Medallions at the mint of Rome," Essays Sutherland, pl. 2, 28; Vagi 3051. Near VF, rough surfaces.

From the Chris Connell Collection.

These Anonymous silver siliquae had their origins in commemorative pieces for the founding of Constantinople in 330. Bendall believes, based on hoard finds and metrology, that they were restruck for various celebrations into the later 6th century. Although in rather poor condition, this present piece is interesting in having a previously unknown portrait variant, with Constantinople wearing what appears to be a high segmented collar.