BYZANTINE EMPIRE
Maurice Tiberius (AD 582–602)
AE Follis (Bronze)
Grade: Fine (F)
Maurice Tiberius ruled the Byzantine Empire from AD 582 to 602 during a period of constant military conflict and financial strain. A capable general before becoming emperor, he successfully defended the empire's eastern frontier against the Persian Empire and conducted campaigns in the Balkans against Slavic and Avar invasions. Despite his military successes, unpopular fiscal policies and army reforms led to a mutiny that ended with his overthrow and execution in AD 602, ushering in one of the Byzantine Empire's most turbulent periods.
The AE Follis was the principal bronze denomination of the Byzantine monetary system and was introduced by Emperor Anastasius I in AD 498. During the reign of Maurice Tiberius, these large bronze coins circulated extensively throughout the empire and are notable for their distinctive reverse design featuring a large denomination mark, making them among the most recognizable Byzantine coins.
Emperor: Maurice Tiberius (AD 582–602)
Denomination: AE Follis
Composition: Bronze
Grade: Fine (F)
Era: Early Byzantine Empire
Historical Significance
Coins of Maurice Tiberius were struck during a critical era when the Byzantine Empire stood as the continuation of the Roman Empire in the East. His reign represents the final period of relative stability before the devastating Byzantine–Sasanian War and the rapid expansion of the early Islamic Caliphates. These coins served as the everyday currency of merchants, soldiers, and citizens across the eastern Mediterranean.
Why Collect Byzantine Folles?
Byzantine folles are among the most historically important bronze coins of the medieval world. Their bold designs, impressive size, and direct connection to the Eastern Roman Empire make them a favorite among collectors. A coin of Maurice Tiberius is an authentic artifact from a pivotal period that bridges the classical Roman world and the medieval Byzantine civilization, offering collectors a tangible link to over 1,400 years of history.
