Anastasius I (491-518AD)
Anastasius I was a prudent and competent emperor. Following the death of Zeno in 491, the people wanted a Roman and an Orthodox Christian emperor. Ariadne, Zeno’s widow, turned to Anastasius I who was in his sixties at the time of his ascension to the throne. Religiously he was acceptable so Ariadne married Anastasius shortly after his accession on May 20th, 491AD. His reign gained the popular support of the people.
Monetary System
Note: In 498AD, there was a major reform breaking with the tradition of Roman denominations. This is traditionally where the dividing ling is drawn between the Roman and Byzantine coinage as far as the bronze is concerned.
Mints: Thessalonica; Constantinople
Obverse Legends:
D N ANASTASIVS PP AVG
DENOMINATIONS (Pre-Reform)
AU Solidus (4.50 grams)
AU Semissis (2.25 grams)
AU Tremissis (1.45 grams)
AR Heavy Miliarense
AR Miliarense (4.50 grams)
AR Siliqua (3.25 grams)
AE4 nummus
Post-Reform
AE Follis
AE Half- Follis
AE Decanummium
AE Pentanummium
