Byzantine Empire Bronze Follis (40 Nummi)

Byzantine Empire · 6th to 7th Century AD (reign of Justinian I, Phocas, Heraclius, or similar)

A thick, heavily worn ancient bronze follis featuring a large Greek letter 'M' on the reverse representing the 40 nummi value, with an imperial portrait on the obverse.

Country: Byzantine Empire
Year: 6th to 7th Century AD (reign of Justinian I, Phocas, Heraclius, or similar)
Denomination: Follis or 40 Nummi
Metal: Bronze

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 8, 2026More byzantine empire coins →

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Overview

A thick, heavily worn ancient bronze follis featuring a large Greek letter 'M' on the reverse representing the 40 nummi value, with an imperial portrait on the obverse.

Historical significance

Follis coins were the primary base metal currency of the Byzantine Empire, widely used for daily commerce and military pay during the turbulent early medieval period.

Obverse (front)

Worn imperial bust facing right or head-on, wearing a diadem and consular robes, surrounded by indistinct Greek legends.

Reverse (back)

Large capital letter 'M' with a cross above, officina letter below, and flanking symbols (stars or crosslets), all enclosed within a dotted border.

Estimated value

$15-$50 depending on exact attribution, clarity of mint mark, and preservation state.

What drives this coin's value

Completeness of legends, visibility of mint marks and regnal years, overall centering, and sharpness of the 'M' on the reverse.

Grade assessment

Fair to About Good (AG-3), with heavy wear smoothing out most finer details of the portrait and legends.

Mintage & rarity

Common to Scarce type, varying greatly by specific emperor, regnal year, and mint office (officina).

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for natural earthen encrustations, correct ancient bronze weight, and genuine casting or striking irregularities. Beware of modern tourist replicas or cast counterfeits.

Notable varieties & errors

Variations in regnal years, officina letters, and imperial monograms specific to individual emperors and mints.

Similar coins

Folles of various other Byzantine emperors (Anastasius I through Constans II) which also feature the large 'M' reverse design.

Care & preservation

Store in a stable, low-humidity environment using inert materials like non-PVC flips or a wooden coin cabinet. Do not clean, polish, or wash with harsh chemicals to preserve the ancient patina.

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Follis (large module)

Byzantine Empire · Circa 498-668 AD (specifically, the image likely shows a follis from the reigns of Justinian I, Justin II, or Maurice Tiberius, given the clear 'M' design)

40 Nummi (M)