Sicily

Justinian II, Byzantine Emperor 705-711

S.1283,  Extremely Fine

Mint of Syracuse. Second Reign, 705-711. Facing bust of Justinian II with short beard holding globus-cross. Virtually as struck from crudely executed dies.

Justinian II had a remarkable career and at sixteen became the last emperor of the Heraclian Dynasty. After ten years of rule, Justinian was suddenly overthrown by the general Leontius. The deposed emperor had his nose and tongue slit yet came back to rule again in the Summer of 705.