Justinian II Gold Solidus Young Christ Portrait NGC ChMS Byzantine 705-711 AD

JUSTINIAN II — THE RETURN OF THE EMPEROR & A NEW PORTRAIT OF CHRIST

Byzantine Empire | Justinian II, Second Reign, AD 705–711
AV Gold Solidus — 4.43 grams
NGC Choice Mint State (Ch MS)
Strike: 4/5 | Surface: 5/5
NGC Certification #6329190-003

An exceptional ancient gold Solidus from the dramatic second reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian II, featuring one of the most fascinating and historically important portraits of Jesus Christ ever placed on ancient coinage.

Justinian II had already made numismatic history during his first reign by becoming the first Byzantine emperor to place a portrait of Christ prominently on his circulating gold coinage. After being deposed, mutilated and exiled in AD 695, Justinian accomplished the nearly unimaginable: he returned to Constantinople and reclaimed the Byzantine throne in AD 705.

With his restoration came another remarkable change to his gold coinage.

THE “YOUNG CHRIST” PORTRAIT

Instead of simply returning to the familiar long-haired, bearded image of Christ used during his first reign, Justinian introduced a dramatically different sacred portrait.

Christ appears facing, with short, tightly curled hair and a closely cropped beard, raising His right hand in benediction while holding the Book of Gospels.

The precise inspiration remains debated, but major numismatic references have noted its similarity to early Eastern Christian iconography. CNG specifically describes the second-reign image as a youthful Christ more closely associated with early Eastern traditions, while other scholarship describes the portrait as a distinctly different interpretation from the classic Pantokrator of Justinian’s first reign.

That makes the first- and second-reign Christ solidi of Justinian II a fascinating pair for an advanced Byzantine or Biblical coin collection.

OBVERSE

Facing bust of Jesus Christ, cross behind His head, with short curly hair and close beard. Christ raises His right hand in blessing and holds the Book of Gospels in His left.

The Smithsonian’s example of this type describes essentially the same iconography: Christ facing with curly hair and close beard, raising His hand in benediction and holding the Gospels.

REVERSE

Facing crowned figures of Emperor Justinian II and his son Tiberius, together holding a large cross potent set upon steps between them.

The imagery powerfully links the earthly authority of the emperor and his heir with the divine authority represented by Christ on the opposite side.

AN EXTRAORDINARY SURVIVOR

What separates this particular coin from the typical example is its preservation.

NGC Choice Mint State
Strike 4/5
Surface 5/5

The 5/5 Surface designation is especially desirable for an approximately 1,300-year-old hammered gold coin. The coin retains strong golden color, excellent detail and remarkably fresh surfaces, with all three major portraits immediately recognizable.

The photographs speak for themselves — Christ’s facial features, curls, Gospel book and cross are exceptionally engaging, while Justinian II and Tiberius remain clearly represented on the reverse.

This example offers the additional appeal of NGC Choice Mint State and a perfect 5/5 Surface rating.

A COIN AT THE CROSSROADS OF HISTORY

Justinian’s restored reign would last only six years. In AD 711 he was overthrown and killed, ending the Heraclian dynasty.

More remarkable still, following the political and religious turmoil that followed, the portrait of Christ disappeared from Byzantine coinage for well over a century, not returning until the ninth century.

This solidus therefore represents far more than ancient gold.

It is a surviving piece of the Byzantine Empire at one of the great intersections of Christianity, imperial power, religious art and monetary history.

A superb centerpiece for an advanced collection of Byzantine gold, Biblical coins, early Christian history or historically significant ancient coinage.

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