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Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 
174, Lot: 248. Estimate $100.
Sold for $175. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Justinian I. 527-565. Æ Follis (42mm, 22.08 g). Constantinople mint. Dated RY 14 (540/1). Crowned and cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger and shield; cross in right field / Large M, cross above; date across field, E/CON. DOC I 39e; MIBE 95a; SB 163. VF, smooth green patina.


The second great reform of Byzantine coinage (after that of Anastasius) occurred in 538, when Justinian’s Count of the Sacred Largess, Peter Barsymas, extended the provisions of a law of 537 which required imperial regnal dating on all government documents; bronze coins being regarded as documents. Solidi must have been covered under different regulations. The portrait of the bronze follis was changed to a facing imperial bust in military garb, and included a regnal date, starting with ry 12, on the reverse. These new folles were of an almost medallic nature: the weight was increased to 22 grams and the diameter up to 45mm, creating one of the broadest coins to circulate in antiquity. An impressive expression of imperial will, but inconvenient for everyday use; the size was reduced starting in RY 14, and by RY 16 the large flan issues disappeared from general circulation.