Money Talks Video: Justinian 'The Great' And The Perplexing Light-Weight Solidi

American Numismatic Society - "Justinian 'the Great' and the Perplexing Light-weight Solidi" with Robert Hoge.

"One of the most intractable problems in Byzantine numismatics has proven to be the light weight solidus, struck at various times through the 6th and 7th centuries. A satisfactory explanation remains to be found."- CNG. Introduced by Justinian I following his generals' reconquest of much of the Western part of the empire, and minted into the reign of Justinian II, 150 years later, the intention and circumstances—and in some cases even the mints—of these enigmatic coins remain largely unknown. Hear Robert Hoge speak about these coins.