Anastasius I was Byzantine Emperor from 491 to 518. He perfected the Empire’s monetary system, increased its treasury, and proved himself an able administrator of domestic and foreign affairs.

He came to the throne after being chosen by the wife of his predecessor, Zeno. He is known for leaving the imperial government with a sizable budget surplus due to minimization of government corruption, reforms to the tax code, and the introduction of a new form of currency.

He issued gold silver and copper coins. These coins were struck in the denomination of Solidus, Semissis, Tremissis, Miliarense, Siliqua, Nummus, and Follis.

Depicted here is a gold Solidus issued during his reign from Constantinople mint. The obverse of a coin has diademed and helmeted three-quarter facing bust, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman spearing a fallen enemy. The obverse of a coin depicted the legend ‘VICTORI-A AVCCC, Victory standing left, holding long voided cross, star in right field, and mint mark CONOB.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions