Justinian II 692-695 AD Gold Solidus FIRST CHRIST Portrait NGC Ch AU Byzantine

THE FIRST PORTRAIT OF JESUS CHRIST ON A COIN

Few ancient coins possess the historical, religious, and artistic importance of this remarkable gold Solidus of Byzantine Emperor Justinian II, struck at Constantinople during his first reign, AD 685–695.

Certified by NGC Ancients Choice AU, this example weighs 4.30 grams and features the celebrated facing portrait of Christ Pantocrator — one of the most consequential designs in the entire history of coinage.

For centuries after the rise of Christianity, Christ himself was not portrayed on Roman or Byzantine coins. That changed under Justinian II. During his first reign, the Byzantine mint introduced the first numismatic portrait of Jesus Christ, replacing the traditional imperial portrait on the obverse with the image of Christ.

The type is generally dated to approximately AD 692–695 and appeared around the time of the Quinisext Council of 692, whose Canon 82 favored portraying Christ in human form rather than symbolically as the Lamb of God.

Obverse:
A powerful facing bust of Christ Pantocrator, with long hair and full beard, cross behind his head, his right hand raised in benediction and the Gospels held in his left.

Reverse:
Emperor Justinian II standing facing in imperial dress, holding a large cross potent — an extraordinary visual statement that places Christ on the principal side of the coin and the emperor on the reverse.

The American Numismatic Society notes just how significant this change was: Justinian II moved his own image to the reverse when he placed Christ Pantocrator on the obverse.

NGC Certification

Byzantine Empire — Justinian II
First Reign, AD 685–695
AV Solidus — 4.30 grams
NGC Choice AU
Strike: 3/5
Surface: 3/5
NGC notes: Clipped
Certification # 6829741-041

Despite the clipping noted by NGC, the most important element of this historic issue remains remarkably compelling: Christ’s portrait is bold, immediately recognizable and visually dominant.

This isn’t simply another Byzantine gold coin.

It represents a moment when religion, imperial power and numismatic history collided on a piece of gold roughly 1,330 years ago.

For the collector of Biblical coins, Byzantine gold, ancient portraiture or historically important world coins, the Justinian II First Reign Solidus deserves a place alongside the great landmark issues of antiquity.

You are acquiring the actual ancient gold coin pictured.

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Capstone Acquisitions, LP

Serving collectors and investors since 2004, Capstone Acquisitions specializes in important U.S., world and ancient coins, precious metals and historically significant numismatic material.

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