Catalog
See full images - free registration
Continue with Google - no registration!
or register with email
Why register? Just to keep bots out of our catalog. Your email stays private - we will never share it or send you anything uninvited. We guarantee you that!
5 Nummi - Anastasius I Dicorus Constantinopolis
| Issuer | Byzantine Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 498-518 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A large Greek numeral epsilon (ϵ), denoting the value of five nummi, occupies the central field. The epsilon typically encloses two pellets within its form, though examples with one pellet or none are also known. An officina letter appears to the right of the central mark, identifying the workshop responsible for striking the coin. The design is stark and functional, reflecting the utilitarian character of this small bronze denomination introduced under Anastasius I's monetary reform of 498 AD. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Constantinople |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Anastasius I's currency reform of 498 AD is one of the most consequential monetary interventions in Byzantine history. The previous late Roman bronze coinage had collapsed into tiny, nearly worthless pieces with no marked denominations — merchants were essentially counting coins by weight. Anastasius reintroduced a rational fiduciary bronze system with clearly marked values, of which this 5 nummi piece is the smallest practical unit. The reform is credited to Anastasius personally, a former palace official who brought an administrator's instinct to the throne.
Constantinople mint production of this type was supervised under the newly reorganized imperial mint bureaucracy that the reform itself necessitated.