CNG 94, Lot: 1289. Estimate $500. Sold for $650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Justin II. 565-578. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 3rd officina. Struck 567-578 or January 566. Helmeted and cuirassed facing bust, holding Victory on globe and shield / Constantinopolis seated facing on throne, head right, holding spear and globus cruciger; Γ//CONOB. DOC 1-3 var. (unlisted officina); MIBE 5; SB 344. EF, minor die rust. Rare.

From the Sasha Collection.

On a minor issue of solidi, the normally clean shaven Justin is shown with a slight beard. This has been taken to indicate a mourning beard, a ancient Roman custom to show respect for the recently deceased. Not all authorities, however, accept that these were among the first issues of Justin after the death of his uncle Justinian I. MIBE does not distinguish between the bearded and beardless bust type for these solidi, and places them all within the issues of 567-578.