I have a Byzantine Coin AE Bronze, (14,1 g. 32,1 mm) but I cannot make out the letters. I am no good at Byzantine coins and was seeing that this looks like Justin II and Sophia, but the obv letters don't match. I'm struggling, could anyone help me? Thanks!
There are 133 combinations, and the legend is usually blundered. On your coin I can somewhat make out VNTLL SPM - TAMIO?A.
Justin II followed Justinian. Coins from Antioch of Justinian dated year 35 (AD 561/2) and later all have blundered legends. Other mints had fine legends, but something (I don't know what) happened at Antioch that carried over into the reign of Justin II. Coins that are very similar to the one you show from Antioch are usually quite legible if from other mints: 30 mm. 11.15 grams. Sear 372 of Justin II and Sophia, 578-582. Cyzicus mint. DN IVSTI - NVS PP A For earlier disasters at Antioch, see my page about the coins of Antioch under Justinian: http://augustuscoins.com/ed/interesting/Justinian.html#tragic In 2023 Antioch experienced a massive earthquake. In some ways it was an excellent site for a city, but by being on an earthquake fault line it has been repeatedly devastated by earthquakes.
Folles of Justin II and Sophia minted at Theoupolis (Antioch) have usually blundered obverse legends... Here is mine :
That wine must've been hella good! Imagine if Caligula saw someone mint a coin like that. Actually, I don't want to.. lol
