Ancient Byzantine Bronze Coin of Emperor Nicephorus I (Ruler of the Byzantine Empire)

Own a Coin from Byzantium's Last Stand in Sicily

A real Byzantine bronze follis struck at Syracuse — minted during the final generations of Byzantine control in Sicily, by the father-son emperors who inherited the empire from the woman who had blinded her own son to take it.

$49.50

✓ Guaranteed Authentic
✓ Carefully Sourced and Verified
✓ 30-Day Returns

🏛 Struck at Syracuse, Sicily — Byzantium's critical western naval and commercial stronghold
👑 Features both Nicephorus I and Stauracius — father and son asserting dynastic legitimacy
🤲 A rare Sicilian issue from the final era of Byzantine authority in the western Mediterranean

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

Nicephorus I came to power in AD 802 by deposing Empress Irene — the same woman who had blinded her own son to rule alone. To stabilize his claim and project dynastic continuity, he immediately elevated his son Stauracius as co-emperor. This follis bears both their portraits side by side — a deliberate visual statement of succession and shared authority at a moment of deep political vulnerability.

Their story ended violently. In AD 811, Nicephorus I was killed in battle against the Bulgarian Khan Krum — the first Byzantine emperor to die in combat against a foreign enemy in over four centuries. Krum reportedly turned his skull into a silver-lined drinking cup. Stauracius survived the battle but was severely wounded and died shortly after, his reign measured in months.

This coin was struck at Syracuse, Byzantium's most important western outpost — a naval stronghold and commercial hub that anchored imperial presence in Sicily even as Arab expansion threatened from the south. Within decades of this coin's striking, Byzantine Sicily would be gone. This follis is one of the final issues from that frontier, minted while the empire still held on.

Perfect for:

• Collectors of Byzantine and medieval Mediterranean coinage
• History lovers drawn to Byzantium's western frontier and Sicily
• Dynastic portrait coin and provincial mint enthusiasts
• Anyone looking for a rare, historically layered piece

What You'll Receive

• One authentic Byzantine bronze follis of Nicephorus I and Stauracius
• Denomination: AE Follis (large circulating bronze)
• Mint: Syracuse, Sicily
• Struck AD 802–811 — carefully sourced and verified for authenticity

Buy with Confidence

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

New to Ancient Coins?

Start your journey here: kinzercoins.com/collections/im-new-to-ancient-coins