Justinian I Bronze Follis from Theoupolis (Antioch) — A City Reborn

Own a Coin from the Rebirth of One of the Ancient World's Greatest Cities

A real Byzantine bronze follis of Justinian I, struck after the ancient city of Antioch was rebuilt and officially renamed Theoupolis—"The City of God."

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🏛 Struck at Theoupolis, the rebuilt city once known as Antioch
⭐ Features the distinctive Antioch mint star and THEUP mintmark
🤲 The exact historic coin pictured is the one you'll receive

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

Few ancient cities have a story of destruction and renewal as remarkable as Antioch.

In AD 526, one of the deadliest earthquakes of the ancient world devastated the city. Tens of thousands of people perished as magnificent buildings collapsed, and a massive fire swept through the ruins. Just two years later, another earthquake struck, compounding the disaster and leaving one of the Roman Empire's greatest cities shattered.

Emperor Justinian I (AD 527–565) refused to abandon Antioch.

He financed its reconstruction and officially renamed it Theoupolis, meaning "The City of God." This authentic bronze follis was struck after that remarkable rebuilding effort, preserving the memory of one of the greatest urban restoration projects of the Byzantine Empire.

The obverse depicts Justinian enthroned, holding the symbols of imperial and Christian authority. The reverse displays the large M denomination mark surmounted by a cross, accompanied by the distinctive star of the Antioch mint. Beneath the M appears the Greek letter Δ (Delta), identifying the fourth officina, while the mintmark THEUP proudly reflects the city's new name.

More than a piece of Byzantine currency, this coin symbolizes resilience, renewal, and the determination to rebuild after catastrophe—qualities that made Justinian's reign one of the defining eras of the Byzantine Empire.

Perfect For

• First-time ancient coin collectors
• Byzantine and Roman history enthusiasts
• Collectors of Biblical and early Christian history
• Anyone fascinated by ancient cities
• Anyone looking for a meaningful, unique gift

Coin Details

• The exact Justinian I bronze follis pictured
• Civilization: Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire)
• Ruler: Justinian I (AD 527–565)
• Century: 6th Century AD
• Mint: Theoupolis (Antioch)
• Denomination: AE Follis
• Officina: Δ (Fourth Workshop)
• Mintmark: THEUP
• Guaranteed authentic

Continue the Story

Justinian's rebuilding of Theoupolis was only one part of his remarkable reign.

Explore our other Justinian coins to discover the emperor who built Hagia Sophia, reformed Roman law, and launched the empire's great reconquest of the Mediterranean.

Buy with Confidence

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

New to Ancient Coins?

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Learn More

Continue the story in the Kinzer Coins Journal: Justinian I Coins & History: Restoring the Roman Empire.