Preview
Creation Date
527–538 CE
Geography
Minted in Nicomedia (Türkiye)
Culture
Byzantine
Medium
Copper
Dimensions
32 mm
0.6 oz. (16.4 g)
Credit Line
Gift of Brad Hostetler, 2022
Accession Number
2022.18
Condition
As of 9/26/2024: The inscription on the left side of the obverse is largely illegible due to wear from handling or cleaning, although some letters and details of costume are still visible. The detail on the right side of the obverse i well-preserved, with features of face and letter inscription legible. The metal around the inscription has lightened from oxidization.
The reverse of this follis retains a legible inscription, but is also heavily oxidized. There are some areas of green oxidization near the center of the coin.
References
Bellinger, Alfred. 1966. Catalogue of the Byzantine Coins in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and in the Whittemore Collection, vol. 1, Anastasius I - Maurice, 491-602. Washington, DC: Dumbarton Oaks Center for Byzantine Studies, no.110, p.110)
Description
The obverse of this follis depicts a right-facing bust of the emperor Justinian I (r. 527-565) wearing a diadem (imperial crown) and paludamentum, or traditional Roman military cloak fastened over one shoulder.
The reverse of this follis has the denomination mark in the center with crosses to its left and right. Beneath it is the mint mark of Nicomedia.
Sonia Suben 2025