is this a real coin

my son found this coin. we don't know anything about them and are wondering if its real.

 

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I am no expert but it looks like a genuine Byzantine coin, possibly minted at Constantinople (see the 'CON' on the lower reverse).

 

It is ( looks like ) a follis of the emperor Justinianus, minted in Constantinople as previously mentioned by Hobo.
The big M stands for "40" since in Byzantine time, M was a symbol for the number 40 and this big coin valued 40 Nummi
You can find other interesting byzantine coins inscribed K ( 20 Nummia ), I ( 10 ), Epsilon ( 5 ), ....or in Latin Numeral ( XXXX )

Byzantine coins are fun and addictive :devil:

 

Welcome to cointalk. That is a neat looking coin. Thanks for posting the picture.

J

 

Byzantine coins are fun!

The "ANNO XII" is year 12 of Justinian or AD 538-39.

Emperor Justinian started putting dates on his coins that year.

This design change may have been made to mark the completion of the giant St. Sophia church in Constantinople.
The church was dedicated at the end of AD 537.

 

wow all your info is great. really appreciate it. thanks.