Byzantine Empire, Justinian I. 527 - 565 AD. AE- Follis. Cyzicus Mint. 35.34mm, 19.61g. Coin is slightly darker than the seller's photo above.
Nice example. Justinian I (527 - 565 A.D.) Æ Follis O: DN ISTINI-ANVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian facing, holding globus cruciger and a shield. R: Large M, cross above, ANNO left, regnal year XXXI right, G ( = officina 3 ) below, THEUP in ex. Theoupolis - Antiochia 18.64g 32mm SB 220
If you started collecting ancients after trying to fill date sets of US coins, you might decide a date set of Justinian folles from Cyzicus would be fun to assemble. If so, here are some others for the set: Justinian. Sear 207. Year 12 (unfortunately corroded and weak) Very large at 42 mm and 21.79 grams. Justinian. Sear 207. Year 19. 35 mm. 19.33 grams. Justinian. Sear 207. Year 23. 37-35 mm. 19.26 grams. Justinian. Sear 207. Year 31. 33-32 mm. 15.14 grams. I guess I love big coins!
Congrats, @AuldFartte ... good looking coin. My Eastern Romans are usually pretty worn. ER Justinian I 527-565 CE AE Folles 30mm 17g 40 Nummi M monogram
If one wishes to get only one Byzantine copper for their collection, a Justinian Follis would be a wise candidate. They are iconic coins (plus you get plenty of copper for your money). I know he is holding a globus cruciger, but in most of these coins it kinda looks like he is giving us the finger, right?
I love big Byzantine bronze! Here's my Justinian I Follis from Constantinople, Reginal Year 16, 35mm, 17.78g.
That one was on my watchlist to see how it faired. Congrats on snatching it up! Here's mine at 42mm...
I have my eye on a 40mm. I really want a big flan follis. You're gonna tempt me into pulling the trigger lol.
If coin dealers sold coins by the pound, those specializing in Byzantines would be very wealthy dealers.
Justinian was a ruler with an eye for the future. His codification of the Roman Law was for the ages as was his Hagia Sophia and reincarnation of the Western Empire. I wonder if he thought that making his coins so large and impressive was a way to immortalize himself in an additional manner. If so, I can forgive his hubris.
I have a side portrait Justinian more in the manner of Anastasius: As you can see it's a little light and pre-reform... Justinian I (527-565 A.D.) AE Follis, Constantinople Mint, 10 grams, 28mm Obverse: Diademed, Draped and Cuirassed Bust Right, DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG Reverse: Large M, cross above, star to left and right, officina letter below Reference: SB 160, Dumbarton Oaks Collection 30.
Picked up this today ... have wanted an example over 40mm for some time. Will be quite the monster in hand.. can't wait. Byzantine Empire, Justinian I (527-565) AE follis Condition: Very Fine Weight: 23.4 g Diameter: 42.3 mm