Anastasius I, Gold Solidus, Constantinople, 8th officina

Anastasius I (491-518 AD), gold Solidus, Constantinople, 507-518 AD, 8th officina, D N ANASTA-SIVS PP AVG, helmeted bust facing, holding spear and shield, rev. VICTORI-A AVGGG H, Victory standing left holding long staff surmounted by Christogram reversed; in left field, star; in exergue, CONOB, 4.44g, 6h (Sear 5; DO 7; MIB 7; BCC 14h). Baldwins, 2017, good extremely fine.

Anastasius I was emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire from 491 to 518 AD. His reign is remembered for improving the empire's finances, reforming taxation and strengthening its defences. He carefully managed government spending and built up the imperial treasury, helping the empire become more financially stable. This gold solidus was minted in Constantinople between 507 and 518 AD, during the later part of his reign. The front of the coin shows Anastasius facing forward, wearing a helmet and holding a spear and shield. These symbols represent his military authority and his role in protecting the empire. The inscription, D N ANASTASIVS PP AVG, identifies him as emperor. On the reverse, Victory stands holding a long staff topped with a Christogram, a symbol associated with Christianity. The inscription VICTORIA AVGGG refers to imperial victory, linking military success with the emperor's authority. The star on the reverse is another decorative symbol, while CONOB in the exergue indicates the coin's gold standard and minting connection to Constantinople. As a gold coin, the solidus was important for trade and high-value payments.

The obverse inscription D N ANASTA-SIVS PP AVG translates to "Our Lord Anastasius, Perpetual Augustus."

The reverse inscription VICTORI-A AVGGG H translates to "Victory of the Augusti."