147, Lot: 479. Estimate $200. Sold for $470. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Justin II. 565-578. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.50 g). Constantinople mint. Struck 565-566. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding Victory on globe and shield decorated with horseman spearing a fallen enemy; Justin is bearded / Constantinopolis enthroned facing, holding sceptre and globus cruciger; A/CONOB. DOC I 3a; SB 344. EF, underlying luster.

From the Henry Chitwood Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions XI (3 May 1990), lot 391.

On occasion the normal clean shaven Justin is shown with a slight beard on his solidi. This has been taken to indicate a mourning beard, a Roman custom to show respect for the recently deceased. Not all authorities accept that these were the first issues of Justin after the death of his uncle Justinian.