Semissis Of Anastasius

During the course of my reading on ancient history I came upon an interesting character, Anastasius. Here is a snippet from wikipedia:

"Anastasius I (Latin: Flavius Anastasius Augustus, Greek: #7944;nu;alpha;sigma;tau;#940;sigma;iota;omicron;sigmaf;; c.#8201;431 - 9 July 518) was Eastern Roman Emperor from 491 to 518. His reign was characterized by substantive accomplishments, which were representative of emerging patterns of government, economy, and bureaucracy in the Eastern Roman empire.[1] In addition, Anastasius I is known for leaving the imperial government with a sizable budget surplus due to minimization of government corruption, reforms to the tax code, and the introduction of a new form of currency.[2]

Anastasius is famous for showing an uncommon interest in administrative efficiency and issues concerning the economy.[9] Firstly, whenever it was possible in governmental transactions, he altered the method of payment from goods to hard currency. This practice decreased the potential for embezzlement and the need for transportation and storage of supplies. It also allowed for easier accounting.[2] The emperor applied this practice to taxes as well — he mandated that taxes be paid with cash rather than with goods.[2] He also eliminated the practice of providing soldiers with their arms and uniforms; instead he allotted each soldier a generous amount of money that was more than enough to pay for arms and uniforms.[2] These alterations to imperial policy seem to have worked exceptionally well; taxpayers often faced a lesser amount of taxes than they had before and the government gained revenue.[2] Importantly, the increase in revenue allowed the emperor to pay soldiers a higher wage, which attracted native Byzantine soldiers to the military (as opposed to the unreliable Barbarian and Isaurian groups that some previous emperors were forced to rely on).[17] In general, given these alterations to governmental policy and their positive effect on governmental revenue, Anastasius is often cited for his "prudent management" of the empire's finances.[18]

Yet amidst all these reforms, Anastasius I continued the practice of selling official positions.[1] In fact, he sold enough official positions that he has been accused of having facilitated the creation of a civilian aristocracy; a claim that is strengthened by the growth in influence of families that often held high level positions in the government such as the Appiones from Egypt.[1] Anastasius I also gave official positions to his close friend general Celer, his brother-in-law, his brother, his nephews, and his grand-nephews.[1] This can be considered noteworthy given that the emperor seems to have minimized government corruption/inefficiency in other areas.

In addition, the main elements of the complex monetary system of the early Byzantine Empire, which suffered a partial collapse in the 5th century, were revived by Emperor Anastasius I (491-518) in 498. The new system involved three denominations of gold (the solidus and its half and third) and five of copper (the follis, worth 40 nummi and its fractions down to a nummus). It would seem that the new forms of currency quickly became an important part of trade with other regions. Indeed, a follis coin has been found as far as the Charjou desert in the middle of the Amudarya.[19] It also appears that some Byzantine trading partners may have attempted to replicate coins of Anastasius; a theory strengthened by the fact that four solidi from his reign have been recovered as far from the Byzantine Empire as China. China might seem an unlikely trading partner, but the Byzantines and the Chinese were probably able to do business via Central Asian merchants traveling along the Silk Roads.[19] Thus, the currency created by Anastasius proved to circulate widely and retain influence well after his reign."

When I saw this coin come up for auction it looked imperfect and therefore in need of a good home. The portrait has a kind of ugly charm for me, and though the flan is irregular I liked the overall appearance of the coin. It has clear legends and an interesting image on the reverse. This will make a nice addition to my historical figures collection.

Anastasius I (491-518), Semissis, Constantinople, c. 507-518, 2.00g, 17mm. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Victory seated right, inscribing shield set on knee; star to left, staurogram to lower right; CONOB. MIBE 10; DOC 9; S. 7. Very fine.