Sale: CNG 61, Lot: 2170. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 25 September 2002.  Sold For $1200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

JUSTINIAN I. 527-565. AV Solidus (4.46 gm). Struck under Belisarius, 542-546. Rome mint. D N IVSTINI-ANVS P P AVC, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield / VICTORI-A AVCCC•Q, Victory standing facing, holding P-headed cross and globus cruciger; six-pointed star in right field; in exergue, CONOB. MIB I 34; Cf. DOC I 320c.2; SB 291. Superb. ($1000)

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 5, (25 February 1992), lot 624.

The depravations of war, plague and earthquake that took place under Gothic rule saw Rome's population dwindle to about 30,000. In the years of reconquest between 536 and 540 Belisarius captured Rome for the empire and reestablished it as an imperial mint, only to return to Constantinople and earn Justinian's jealousy. In 543 the Gothic king Totila once again captured Rome, but spared the city and on the return of Belisarius moved back to Ravenna, only to return in 546 when Belisarius was again recalled to Constantinople. It was not until 552 under Narses, Belisarius' successor, that Justinian's Gothic war was brought to a successful conclusion and Rome retaken.