On Byzantine coins, depictions of holy figures were used as a means of legitimizing the religious and political power of the empire. The portrait of Jesus first appeared during the reign of Justinian II (685-695), while figures of the Virgin Mary were introduced during the reign of Leo VI. During the Iconoclasm period, these depictions were banned and replaced by the cross motif.
On Byzantine coins, depictions of holy figures were used as a means of legitimizing the religious and political power of the empire. The portrait of Jesus first appeared during the reign of Justinian II (685-695), while figures of the Virgin Mary were introduced during the reign of Leo VI. During the Iconoclasm period, these depictions were banned and replaced by the cross motif.