Justinian II returned from exile in 705 with his nose cut off and his throne taken back, and this gold solidus comes from that second reign. The emperor had been deposed and mutilated a decade earlier, yet he ruled again until 711, when he was killed and his dynasty ended for good. Byzantine gold from those six turbulent years survives in far smaller numbers than the long issues of more settled emperors. Collectors chase the type because it joins a famous comeback story to one of the earliest portraits of Christ on coinage.

The obverse carries a facing bust of Christ with short curly hair and a cross behind the head, raising the right hand in blessing while holding the Book of Gospels. Around the border runs the legend naming Christ as King of those who reign, with the lettering clear across most of the circle. On the reverse, Justinian II stands beside his young son and co-emperor Tiberius, both crowned and robed, with a cross on steps rising between them. The drapery, the jeweled collars and the beaded details on the Gospel cover all show sharp relief and strong device definition.

NGC Ancients graded this solidus Choice Mint State with a Strike of 4/5 and a Surface of 5/5, and noted a die shift on the holder. The gold keeps bright original color with smooth, unworn fields and no handling marks of consequence, which is why the surface score sits at the top of the scale. Few Byzantine solidi of this short second reign come to market with this combination of full Mint State detail and clean, glowing surfaces. A welcome addition to any collection of Byzantine gold or early Christian imagery on coinage.

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