Anastasius




	491 - 518

On the death of the emperor Zeno, the widowed empress Ariadne selected an obscure civil servant, Anastasius, to be the next emperor. He proved to be a wise choice. Frugal and careful, Anastasius increased the wealth of the empire enormously, and in 498 reformed the coinage to what we know as the Byzantine series. He reigned for 27 years and provided the financial basis for the future reconquests of Justinian I.

AE4

Obv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Anastasius, right.
No legend discernible

Rev: Monogram of Anastasius, within a wreath.

This coin is only 7mm in diameter and was the last bronze issue of the Roman period. Anastasius went on to reform the coinage in 498, producing coins of far better quality and starting the Byzantine coinage.

AD 491 - 498