JUSTINIAN II, FIRST REIGN, 685-695. AV Solidus (4.25 gms), Constantinople Mint, 692-695. NGC Ch AU, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5. Clipped. S-1248. Obverse: Bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; cross behind; Reverse: Justinian standing facing, wearing crown and loros, and holding akakia and cross potent set on two steps; [CONOB in exergue]. While missing the exergual mintmark and officina symbol due to clipping, this piece is otherwise remarkably original and brilliant. The images of Christ and the standing emperor are both well-executed, unmarred by the die shift and flat areas that often afflict this issue. As such, a terrific representative of this coveted type with the first numismatic depiction of Christ. Ex: Christies New York (5/2/1984), lot # 541.
