Watch List notes:

Justin I & Justinian I. 527. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina. Struck 4 April-1 August 527. Justin and Justinian, nimbate, enthroned facing, each with hand to breast and holding globus cruciger / Angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field; I/CONOB. DOC 8c var. (no throne); MIB 1d; Metcalf, Joint 26 (same dies); SB 124. Slightly wavy flan, a few marks, graffiti on obverse. Good VF. Rare.

Justin was an illiterate peasant from Thrace who pursued a military career and acquired the throne through his natural strengths and cunning. However, he understood the value of education, especially for his relatives. His nephew Peter was sent to Constantinople, and when Justin became emperor, Peter, the newly re-named Justinian, was his trusted advisor. When Justin's health began to fail early in 527, Justinian was readily accepted as co-emperor and the transition of power was uneventful. The coming change was advertised by an extensive series of joint reign solidi, judging by the number of dies used. Presumably these pieces were withdrawn from circulation after the accession of Justinian, which would account for their rarity today.