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Message:: [QUOTE="robinjojo, post: 26394151, member: 110226"]I don't really know.  Generally speaking Byzantine bronze run the circuit for flan size and shape over the centuries.  One possible explanation could be that the flans varied in shape to accommodate the obverse and reverse dies, but that's just an idea of mine. The changes in flan shapes can be seen at the larger mints as well over time.  It seems that the reform folles of Justinian I  devolved over time, with less care on the minting process.  Arguably the "pinnacle" of Byzantine bronze coinage could be said to be the early reform folles of Justinian I, with their large module flans, quite round and nice strikes. Justinian I, follis, Antioch, Year 13 (539/40 AD).22.7 grams[ATTACH=full]1683780[/ATTACH]It could be that the bubonic plague that hit the empire starting in 541 AD, as well as the ongoing wars and upheaval, might have had an effect on minting coins, as it also had with other aspects of society at large.  That plague is estimated to have killed around 25 million people in the sixth century AD. Justinian I, follis, Constantinople, year 20 546/47 AD).Sear16321.29 grams[ATTACH=full]1683777[/ATTACH] Heraclius, follis, Constantinople, RY 24 officina  Γ.MIB 164b6.29 grams[ATTACH=full]1683779[/ATTACH] Constantine IV, Follis, 668-685 AD.17.3 grams[ATTACH=full]1683778[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]