Byzantine coin of Justinian I, 527-565. Obverse: bust of Justinian I, facing right; to left and right, inscriptions are illegible. Reverse: large ‘Ƨ’.

• History Of Use

  “6 nummi” (denomination); DO# 275; Sear# 248. Illegible writing is likely “DN IVSTINIANVS PPAVG”, which extends into “Dominus Noster Justinianus Pius Perpetuus Augustus". It translates to “Our Lord Justinian Pious Eternal August”. This type of coin, the follis, is a large bronze coin that was introduced by the Emperor Anastasius in 498, marking a large departure from the Roman system of coinage inherited by the Byzantine Empire. It was the model for bronze Byzantine coinage for 200 years, facilitating small-scale trade and commerce. Originally, the basic follis in Constantinople was a heavy coin worth 40 nummia, with smaller follis parts equaling 20, 10, or 5 nummia. When the coin was debased and made lighter the value of it would decrease. Each provincial mints had their own divisions. In Alexandria the mint continuously produced follis parts worth 12, 6, and 3 nummia, until the province was lost to the Arab conquests. The 6 nummia coin made up a minor part of the local currency, circulating only within Egypt.

• Iconographic Meaning

  The face of the emperor on coins was a symbol of his authority. The portrait of Justinian I is not characterized to him, instead reflecting general reference for the station and title of emperor.

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• Type of Item coin
• Culture Byzantine
• Material bronze metal
• Measurements height 0.3 cm, diameter 1.4 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner David Herman
• Received from David Herman

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• Made in Alexandria

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• Creation Date between 527 and 565
• Ownership Date before February 2, 2015
• Acquisition Date on February 2, 2015

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• Item Classes metalwork
• Condition fair
• Accession Number 3095/1682