TYPE Byzantine Empire, Anastasius II Artemius (711-3 AD), bronze follis, Syracuse mint, 4.00g DESCRIPTION . Obv: Facing bust of Anastasius in crown and loros, holding gl. cr. Rev: Denomination (M = 40), flanked by [C] - P, monogram above, mintmark SCL below. REFERENCE: SB 1475 GRADING: VF, encrusted olive green patina, ragged edge, rare ORDER INFO: B2747, $315 Another rare emperor from the tumultuous turn of the 8th century, Artemius underscored the precedent of another former civil servant that rose to imperial power, the famous monetary reformer Anastasius, even taking his name upon accesion. However, political turmoil forced his early abdication before displaying all his governing prowess; while uncharacteristically allowed to retire unmutilated to a monastery, he later began mixing monastic life with political conspiracy, and eventually was not given a second chance under the Isaurians.