Justinian I Byzantine Coins

Ancient Byzantine – Justinian I Portrait Follis (527–565 AD, Constantinople Mint)

A bold and impressive bronze follis issued under Emperor Justinian I (AD 527–565).

Obverse: Inscribed DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG — helmeted and cuirassed bust facing forward, holding a cross on globe in the right hand and a shield in the left; a small cross appears in the right field. The portrait projects Justinian’s authority as both warrior and defender of the faith.

Reverse: Dominated by a large M, marking the denomination of forty nummi. ANNO appears to the left, a cross above, and the regnal year XIII to the right; the officina letter B (second workshop) is placed below. The mintmark indicates striking at Constantinople, the imperial capital.

Struck in rich bronze and weighing 22.57 grams, this coin displays exceptional detail and balanced composition — a classic example of early Byzantine craftsmanship.
Condition: Near Extremely Fine, with sharp devices and a well-centered strike.