Justin II & Sophia Bronze Follis — Where Emperor and Empress Shared the Throne

Own a Coin Where the Emperor and Empress Share the Throne

A real Byzantine bronze follis of Justin II and Empress Sophia—one of the most distinctive coins in Byzantine numismatics, portraying emperor and empress enthroned together in a remarkable statement of shared imperial authority.

$37.42

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📷 Coins shown are representative examples. You will receive one authentic Byzantine bronze follis of Justin II and Sophia. Each coin is unique and will vary in strike, centering, preservation, patina, and individual appearance.

👑 Features Justin II and Empress Sophia enthroned together—one of the rarest depictions of shared rule in Byzantine coinage
🏛 Struck during the reign of Justin II (AD 565–578) as the Byzantine Empire entered the post-Justinianic age
🤲 A remarkable piece of Byzantine history from the 6th Century AD

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

Few Byzantine coins present imperial power as dramatically as the bronze follis of Justin II and Empress Sophia.

When Justinian I died in AD 565, he left behind an empire that stretched from Spain to Syria and a legacy that seemed impossible to equal. His nephew Justin II inherited both the throne and the immense challenge of preserving the greatest territorial empire Byzantium would ever possess.

This authentic bronze follis was struck during those crucial years.

Its obverse presents one of the most remarkable images in Byzantine coinage. Rather than depicting the emperor alone, it shows Justin II and Empress Sophia seated together upon the imperial throne, both crowned, both holding the symbols of authority, presenting themselves as partners in governing the empire. It is one of the clearest visual statements of shared imperial power ever issued on Byzantine currency.

That image would become increasingly meaningful as Justin's reign progressed.

During his later years, Justin II suffered from severe mental illness that left him increasingly unable to govern. As his condition deteriorated, Empress Sophia assumed an increasingly important political role, managing the imperial court, influencing foreign policy, and helping maintain stability while the empire faced renewed wars with Sasanian Persia, the arrival of the Lombards in Italy, and growing pressure from Slavic peoples along the Balkan frontier.

The reverse bears the large "M", signifying 40 nummi, the standard bronze follis introduced during the monetary reforms of Anastasius I and continued by Justinian and his successors. It became one of the defining coin types of the Byzantine world.

More than fourteen centuries later, this coin remains a remarkable reminder of one of Byzantium's most unusual imperial partnerships, preserving the image of an emperor and empress who ruled together during a pivotal moment in medieval history.

Perfect For

• Collectors of Byzantine coinage
• History lovers fascinated by imperial women and Byzantine politics
• Collectors of Justin II, Sophia, and post-Justinian history
• First-time Byzantine coin collectors
• Anyone looking for a meaningful and historically significant gift

What You'll Receive

• One authentic bronze follis of Justin II and Sophia
• Civilization: Byzantine Empire
• Rulers: Justin II and Empress Sophia (AD 565–578)
• Century: 6th Century AD
• Denomination: AE Follis (40 Nummi)
• Guaranteed authentic
• Carefully sourced and verified
• Representative example of the type (each coin is unique)

Continue the Story

The reign of Justin II marked the beginning of a new chapter in Byzantine history following the death of Justinian the Great. The remarkable joint portrait of Justin and Sophia preserves one of the empire's most recognizable symbols of shared authority and offers a window into the political challenges that shaped the medieval Roman Empire.

Explore our other Roman, Byzantine, Biblical, Greek, and medieval collections to continue your journey through the rulers, civilizations, and events that changed history.

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• Guaranteed authentic ancient coin
• Carefully sourced and verified
• 30-day return policy
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