Maurice Tiberius. 582–602. Semissis

Maurice Tiberius. 582–602. Semissis (Gold, 19 mm, 2.22 g, 7 h). Constantinople mint. Obv. D N MAVRI P P AVC, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Maurice Tiberius right. Rev. VICTORIA AVGG / CONOB, Victory advancing right, head left, holding wreath in right hand and globus cruciger in left. DOC 12a; MIB 17a; SB 485. Minor marks and faint scratches, some areas of weakness, otherwise nearly very fine.

A well-preserved example of the Byzantine semissis, struck at Constantinople during the reign of Maurice Tiberius, one of the most capable emperors of the late sixth century. His administration restored stability to the empire after decades of fiscal and military strain, reorganising the army and extending Byzantine influence in the Balkans and East. The type continues the long-standing iconography of imperial Victory, here advancing with wreath and globe, symbolising divine sanction and universal dominion. The style of the portrait retains the dignified realism of earlier issues, with the pearl diadem and cuirass denoting both sovereignty and military virtue. Though a fractional denomination of the solidus, the semissis circulated widely across the Mediterranean and beyond, attesting to the enduring strength of Byzantine gold currency at a time when few contemporary states could maintain comparable monetary stability. A historically significant and attractive specimen of late sixth-century Constantinopolitan coinage.