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5 Nummi - Justin II Nicomedia
| Issuer | Byzantine Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 565-578 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
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| Reverse description | A large Greek epsilon (∈), denoting the numeral 5, occupies the central field. To the right of the epsilon stands the letter N, an abbreviation for Nummi, together indicating the denomination of 5 Nummi. The design is stark and functional, with both characters struck in a broad, bold style characteristic of hammered Byzantine minor bronzes. The flan is irregular and the surfaces show typical casting roughness consistent with Nicomedia mint production of this period. |
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| Additional information |
Justin II inherited the throne from Justinian I in 565 and almost immediately abandoned his predecessor's ruinous policy of buying peace with the Avars and Sassanids — a reversal that plunged the empire into costly warfare on multiple fronts. The Nicomedia mint, designated by the Ѧ officina marks in this series, was one of the smaller provincial operations serving the eastern provinces during this reign.
Justin suffered a mental breakdown, reportedly severe and public, beginning around 574, leading to the co-elevation of Tiberius Constantine as Caesar to handle actual governance. Coins struck after that point were issued nominally under Justin's authority while power had effectively passed.