Byzantine Empire – Justin II & Sophia AE Follis
Emperor Justin II (AD 565–578) & Empress Sophia • Good Details
A fascinating large bronze coin from the early Byzantine Empire, issued during the joint reign of Emperor Justin II and Empress Sophia from AD 565 to 578.
Justin II succeeded his uncle Justinian I, one of the greatest rulers of the Byzantine Empire, and his reign marked a period of transition as the empire faced military challenges and political changes across the Mediterranean world.
This large bronze follis features the emperor and empress seated together on the obverse, an important representation of imperial partnership and Byzantine court tradition. The reverse displays the large denomination mark M (40 nummi), a characteristic feature of Byzantine bronze coinage.
The coin retains good surviving details, allowing collectors to appreciate the historical imagery and distinctive style of early Byzantine coinage.
Specifications
- Empire: Byzantine Empire
- Rulers: Justin II and Sophia
- Date: AD 565–578
- Denomination: AE Follis (40 Nummi)
- Metal: Bronze
- Period: Early Byzantine Empire
- Obverse: Justin II and Sophia seated facing
- Reverse: Large M denomination mark with Byzantine markings
- Condition: Good details
A remarkable piece of early Byzantine history, representing the continuation of the Roman imperial tradition in the Eastern Mediterranean more than a century after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
An excellent addition for collectors of Byzantine coins, ancient bronzes, and historical world coinage.
