Catalog
| Issuer | Byzantine Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 498-518 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Follis = 40 Nummi (1⁄180) |
| Currency | First Solidus Nomisma (498-720) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 17.2 g |
| Diameter | 33 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | BCV#19 |
| Obverse description | Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right, sometimes with star on shoulder. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering |
D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG (Translation: D(-ominus) N(-oster) ANASTASIVS P(-er-)P(-etuus) AVG(-vstvs) `Our Lord Anastasius, Perpetual Emperor`) |
| Reverse description | Large M between two stars, cross above, officina letter beneath, CON in exergue. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering |
☩ ✶M✶ Є CON (Translation: M : `40` nummi (= 1 follis). Є : `5th` officina. CON(stantinopolis) : Constantinopolis.) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
CON Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul, Turkey (476-1923) |
| Mintage |
ND (498-518) CON Α - 1st Officina - ND (498-518) CON Β - 2nd Officina - ND (498-518) CON Γ - 3rd Officina - ND (498-518) CON Δ - 4th Officina - ND (498-518) CON Є - 5th Officina - |
| Numisquare ID | 1006156610 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 40 Nummi follis is a pivotal issue from Emperor Anastasius I's (491-518 AD) monetary reform, initiated in 498. Anastasius, known as Dicorus, stabilized the Byzantine Empire's finances, and introducing large copper denominations like this follis was crucial for daily commerce. Struck at Constantinopolis, this coin reflects the renewed economic vitality and imperial authority of the early Byzantine state, providing essential small change for the populace.
Artistry: The design exemplifies early Byzantine numismatic art, moving towards a stylized imperial representation. Though no specific engraver is named, the Constantinopolis mint adhered to a developing artistic school emphasizing imperial majesty. The obverse typically features a diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Anastasius I. The reverse is dominated by the large Greek numeral M for 40 nummi, flanked by two stars (Type ✶M✶), with a cross above and the mintmark CON in the exergue, a clear, functional design.
Technical/Grading: This large module copper coin, 17.2 grams and 33 millimeters, often exhibits characteristics typical of early Byzantine copper issues. High-points susceptible to wear on the obverse include the emperor's diadem and nose. On the reverse, the top of the 'M', the cross, and the stars are primary wear points. Strikes are frequently off-center or on irregular flans, leading to incomplete legends or details. A full strike on the 'M' and the clarity of the stars are critical for assessing strike quality, alongside portrait and mintmark.