Own an Ancient Counterfeit from the Byzantine Empire

A real contemporary counterfeit bronze follis modeled after the official coinage of Emperor Justin I—an authentic artifact that reveals the hidden economy of the early Byzantine world.

✓ Guaranteed Authentic Ancient Counterfeit
✓ Carefully Sourced
✓ 30-Day Returns

🏛 Struck nearly 1,500 years ago to imitate official Byzantine coinage
⚖ A fascinating glimpse into the underground economy of the Roman Empire
🤲 A genuine piece of ancient history with its own remarkable story

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

Not every ancient coin was struck by the imperial government.

This remarkable bronze follis is an ancient contemporary counterfeit, produced during the reign of Emperor Justin I (AD 518–527). Rather than being a modern fake, it was created nearly 1,500 years ago to imitate the official bronze follis struck at the imperial mint of Constantinople (Sear Byzantine 62).

The coin copies the familiar portrait of Justin I on the obverse and the large "M" denomination mark on the reverse, but its crude style and unofficial manufacture reveal that it was produced outside the imperial mint. Coins like this likely entered circulation because of shortages of official bronze coinage or because counterfeiters saw an opportunity to profit from everyday commerce.

Today, contemporary counterfeits are collected as fascinating historical artifacts in their own right. They offer a rare glimpse into the economic realities of the Byzantine Empire and remind us that counterfeit money is as old as money itself.

Perfect For:

• Collectors of unusual ancient coins
• Byzantine history enthusiasts
• Students of ancient economics
• Anyone looking for a unique conversation piece

What You'll Receive

• One authentic contemporary counterfeit bronze follis
• Modeled after the official coinage of Justin I
• Based on the Constantinople mint prototype (Sear Byzantine 62)
• Guaranteed authentic as an ancient contemporary counterfeit
• Nearly 1,500 years old — each coin is unique

Buy with Confidence

• Guaranteed authentic ancient coin
• Carefully sourced and verified
• 30-day return policy
• Secure shipping from the U.S.

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