Justin I Bronze Half Follis from Antioch — The Emperor Who Advanced Justinian

Own a Coin from the Reign That Prepared the Way for Justinian I

The exact Byzantine bronze half follis of Justin I shown, struck at Antioch during the reign in which Justinian rose from the emperor’s adopted nephew and adviser to one of the most powerful men in the Eastern Roman state.

✓ Guaranteed Authentic
✓ Exact Coin Shown
✓ 30-Day Returns

🏛 Struck at Antioch, one of the great cities of the eastern Roman world
👑 Issued during the reign in which Justinian was steadily elevated toward the succession
🤲 The exact historic coin pictured is the one you'll receive

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

Justin I ruled from AD 518 to 527. Born into a relatively humble background in the Balkans, he rose through the imperial military establishment and eventually became commander of the palace guard before his accession.

His nephew Justinian had been brought to Constantinople and adopted by Justin before becoming emperor. During Justin’s reign, Justinian’s influence increased substantially: he served in high office, became consul, played an important role in government, and was finally elevated as co-emperor in April AD 527, shortly before Justin’s death.

It is therefore too simple to describe Justinian’s accession as the result of one sudden decision in which Justin “chose his heir.” Justin certainly promoted and adopted his nephew, but the succession emerged through years of education, officeholding, political influence, and eventual formal elevation.

Justinian would go on to rule from AD 527 to 565, overseeing the rebuilding of Hagia Sophia, the compilation of the Corpus Juris Civilis, and major wars of reconquest in North Africa and Italy.

This authentic bronze half follis was struck at Antioch. As a 20-nummi piece, it belongs to the large denomination-marked bronze system established under Anastasius I and continued under Justin and Justinian.

The coin’s importance lies in its secure connection to Justin’s reign and to the political world in which Justinian’s remarkable career reached the threshold of imperial power.

Perfect For

• First-time ancient coin collectors
• Byzantine and Roman history enthusiasts
• Collectors of Justin I and Justinian I
• Students of early Byzantine political history
• Anyone seeking a coin from sixth-century Antioch

Coin Details

• The exact Justin I bronze half follis pictured
• Civilization: Eastern Roman / Byzantine Empire
• Ruler: Justin I (AD 518–527)
• Century: 6th Century AD
• Mint: Antioch
• Denomination: AE Half Follis (20 Nummi)
• Reference: Sear Byzantine 109
• Guaranteed authentic

Buy with Confidence

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

Learn More

Continue the story in the Kinzer Coins Journal: Byzantine Follis Coins: How to Identify and Collect Them.