Anastasius I, the Byzantine Emperor who ruled the Eastern Roman world from 491 to 518 died today on 9th July 518. His reign is known to improvements in the government, economy, and bureaucracy in the Eastern Roman Empire.

Anastasius was born at Dyrrachium into an Illyrian family. Before becoming emperor, Anastasius was a particularly successful administrator in the department of finance. He is noted for leaving the imperial government with a sizeable budget surplus. The complex monetary system of the early Byzantine Empire was revived by Anastasius. His new system involved three denominations of gold and five of copper. The currency created by him stayed in use and circulated widely for long after his reign.

The above shown silver Miliaresion was issued under his reign from Constantinople mint. The obverse of a coin depicted the pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Anastasius I. The reverse of a coin has Anastasius I standing facing in military dress, nimbate head left, grounded spear in the right hand, left a hand on a grounded shield to right; star in right field.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions