Triton XX, Lot: 1063. Estimate $1000. Sold for $4000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Justinian I. 527-565. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.49 g, 6h). Ravenna mint, 6th officina. Struck 552-565. D N IVSTINI–ANVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger in right hand, shield over left shoulder / VICTORI–A AVGGG, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by christogram in right hand and globus cruciger in left; star in right field; S//CONOB. DOC (333b); MIBE 37⁵ = Monte Judica 68 = Ranieri 321 (this coin); SB 312. Choice EF.

From the Goldman Collection. Ex Sincona 3 (25 October 2011), lot 3083; Sotheby’s New York (2 November 1998), lot 89; Monte Judica Hoard, 68.

Hahn (MIBE) assigns only the solidi with terminal letters A, Γ and S to Ravenna and interprets them as dates rather than officinae, although admits (p. 50) that this is somewhat problematic (he suggests this date could correspond to 562/3).

The Monte Judica Hoard was discovered sometime around 1981 on Monte Judica in the province of Catania, Sicily. The hoard is highly important for the light it shines on the production of Sicilian gold under Justinian I and Justin II.