5 Nummi - Justin II Antioch

Justin II's small copper denominations from Antioch are among the more historically loaded objects in late Byzantine numismatics — the mint was operating under sustained pressure from Sasanian raids throughout this period, and Antioch itself had been sacked by Khosrow I in 540, never fully recovering its earlier commercial dominance. The decision to continue striking there reflects administrative stubbornness as much as practical necessity.

The 5 nummi was the lowest practical denomination in circulation, and Antioch issues consistently show rougher fabric than Constantinople equivalents — a product of the mint's reduced resources and intermittent operation during the reign.