Gold Solidus, Eastern Roman-Byzantine, c. 491-518 AD.
Ruler: Anastasius.
Obv: Cuirassed and helmeted 3/4 facing bust of Ruler.
Rev: Winged Angel holding Long Cross.
Mint: Constantinople.
(Sear-3v) 20 mm, 4.47 gm.
Anastasius I was Byzantine Emperor from 491 to 518. During his reign the Roman eastern frontier underwent extensive re-fortification, including the construction of Dara, a stronghold intended to counter the Persian fortress of Nisibis.
During his reign one of the most fortified castle cities on the Adriatic Durrës Castle in Durrës was also built. Anastasius had one eye black and one eye blue (heterochromia), and for that reason he was nicknamed Dicorus (''two-pupiled'').
