Byzantine Empire Follis (40 Nummi)

Byzantine Empire · 527–600 AD (Typically Justinian I, Justin II, or Maurice Tiberius)

A thick, roughly cast ancient bronze follis featuring a large capital letter 'M' on the reverse and an emperor portrait on the obverse.

Country: Byzantine Empire
Year: 527–600 AD (Typically Justinian I, Justin II, or Maurice Tiberius)
Denomination: Follis (40 Nummi)
Metal: Bronze
Grade: Fair to About Good ( heavily worn with smoothed details)

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, roughly cast ancient bronze follis featuring a large capital letter 'M' on the reverse and an emperor portrait on the obverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the reforms of the Byzantine monetary system, these large bronze folles were the staple currency of the everyday economy in the Eastern Roman Empire during Late Antiquity.

Obverse (front)

Stylized, worn profile bust of a Byzantine Emperor facing right or forward, wearing a diadem and consular robes.

Reverse (back)

Large capital letter 'M' (representing 40 nummi) with a cross above and officina letter below, surrounded by partial circular legends.

Estimated value

$15-$50 depending on condition and legible mint marks

What drives this coin's value

Legibility of the emperor's portrait, clearly visible mint and regnal year, and an intact attractive desert or river patina.

Grade assessment

Fair to About Good ( heavily worn with smoothed details)

Mintage & rarity

Common to scarce depending on the specific ruler and mint, generally readily available on the collector market.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for natural earthen encrustations, correct flan thickness, and cast seams or modern tooling marks which indicate modern forgeries.

Notable varieties & errors

Overstrikes on earlier Vandal or Ostrogothic coins, and rare provincial mint marks.

Similar coins

Other Byzantine folles from Justinian I, Justin II, Phocas, and Heraclius, distinguishable primarily by portraits and reverse control marks.

Care & preservation

Store in a stable, dry environment. Avoid cleaning, scrubbing, or using harsh chemicals to preserve the natural ancient patina.

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Byzantine Empire Bronze Follis (40 Nummi)

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

Follis or 40 Nummi

Byzantine Half Follis of Justinian II

Byzantine Empire (Syracuse Mint) · 685-695 AD

Half Follis (20 Nummi)

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)