Coins were an ideal way for Byzantine emperors to circulate their images throughout the empire and beyond, since they were used to pay for imported merchandise and to pay foreign mercenaries. They could also be employed as powerful vehicles for propaganda, promoting dynastic succession and emphasizing the earthly emperor’s god-given right to rule. 
Gold Coinage of Leontius are rare in any grade because he only ruled for three years. Most of his coinage would be melted down or recoined by Justinian II when he regained power and ruled during his Second Reign. 
Following Byzantine emperors example before him, Leontius (r. 695–98) had an image of himself on the Obverse and a monumental cross in Jerusalem placed on the back of his coin.•