Ancient Byzantine Bronze Coin of Emperor Justinian I (Builder of Hagia Sophia)

Own a Massive Bronze from Byzantium's Greatest Emperor at the Height of His Power

A real Byzantine bronze follis of Justinian I — struck in Constantinople in AD 539, when the Eastern Empire was reconquering the lost western territories of Rome and standing as the wealthiest city in the Mediterranean world.

$495.00

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

🏛 Struck AD 539 — Justinian's 12th regnal year — at the peak of Byzantine imperial ambition
⚔️ From the reign that reconquered North Africa and launched the invasion of Italy
🤲 A commanding 19.07g bronze from one of the ancient world's most consequential rulers

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

By AD 539, Justinian I had already reshaped the Mediterranean world. His general Belisarius had reconquered North Africa from the Vandals in 533 and launched the Gothic Wars in Italy beginning in 535 — the most ambitious military campaign of the Byzantine era, aimed at restoring the full territorial extent of the Roman Empire. Constantinople stood at the center of it all, the wealthiest and most powerful city in the known world.

This follis was struck at that exact moment of confidence. The obverse carries a bold frontal military portrait of Justinian — helmeted, armored, holding a globus cruciger and shield — an image of divine authority and imperial command that defined early Byzantine artistic direction. The legend DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG proclaims his full imperial title. The reverse bears the large "M" for 40 nummi, the mintmark CON for Constantinople, and ANNO XII — year twelve of his reign — tying this coin precisely to one of history's most consequential moments.

At 19.07 grams, this is not a small coin. It is a substantial, physically commanding piece of bronze that carries the full weight of Justinian's ambition — a ruler who rewrote Roman law, built the Hagia Sophia, and very nearly reunited the Roman Empire. Few coins from the ancient world announce themselves quite like this one.

Perfect for:

• Collectors of Byzantine and early medieval coinage
• History lovers drawn to Justinian, Belisarius, and the reconquest of Rome
• Large bronze and high-grade Byzantine coin enthusiasts
• Anyone looking for a rare, museum-quality centerpiece coin

What You'll Receive

• One authentic Byzantine bronze follis of Justinian I
• Denomination: Follis — 40 Nummi (M)
• Weight: 19.07g — Size: 19mm
• Mint: Constantinople (CON) — dated ANNO XII (AD 539)
• 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