Follis Coins: The Complete Collector's Guide

From Roman reforms to Byzantine workhorse – the complete story of history's most important bronze coin

3rd–12th Century Bronze Currency M/K/I/E System Beginner-Friendly
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WHAT IS A FOLLIS COIN?

The working bronze coin of the Roman and Byzantine worlds

Simple Definition

A follis (plural: folles) is the major bronze coin denomination used in the Late Roman and Byzantine monetary systems. It was the everyday currency for ordinary transactions, military pay, and taxes for over 700 years.

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Primary Use

Everyday commerce, military pay, tax payments

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Typical Size

25-40mm early, shrinking to 15-25mm later

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Time Period

Late 3rd century → 12th century AD

Why People Get Confused About Folles

❓
"Follis" Means Different Things

Late Roman follis ≠ Byzantine follis. The term evolved from general bronze coinage to specific denomination marks (M/K/I/E).

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Dramatic Size Changes

Early folles can be 40mm, late ones 15mm. Same name, completely different coin in hand.

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Letter System Complexity

M, K, I, E marks seem cryptic at first but become your best identification tool.

What Collectors Mean By "Follis" Today

When collectors talk about folles, they typically mean:

  • Classic Byzantine folles with clear M/K/I/E denomination marks (post-498 AD)
  • Large bronze coins with imperial portraits and mint marks
  • The "workhorse" coin of Byzantine daily life (not gold ceremonial issues)
  • Anonymous folles with religious imagery instead of emperor names

Quick Hook: If you've found a big bronze coin with an M on it, you're already in the right place.

Core Timeframe for This Guide

Late Roman

3rd-4th Century

Early follis concept

Anastasian Reform

498 AD

Classic follis system born

Byzantine Era

6th-11th Century

Main follis usage

Decline

12th Century

Smaller, replaced

Essential Follis Resources

Byzantine Coins Main Guide Roman Coins (Follis Origins) Medieval Coins (Continuation)
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ROMAN ROOTS OF THE FOLLIS

Where the follis story begins in the late Roman Empire

Late Roman Bronze Crisis & Reform

The follis emerged from the monetary chaos of the 3rd century AD. As silver coinage collapsed from inflation, bronze became the everyday currency that needed stabilization.

Why Bronze Coinage Needed Radical Reform

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Hyperinflation

3rd century saw bronze coins shrink to tiny, worthless sizes. Public lost trust.

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Military Pay

Soldiers needed reliable bronze for daily purchases. Unstable coinage hurt morale.

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Tax System

Government needed standard bronze for tax collection and local payments.

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Market Trust

Merchants refused suspicious bronze. Economic activity slowed.

Key Clarification: Early vs Later "Follis"

Early Roman Usage
  • Diocletian's reform (c. 294 AD): First major follis
  • Large bronze with silver wash
  • No M/K/I/E marks yet
  • General term for bronze coinage
Byzantine System
  • Anastasius reform (498 AD): Classic system
  • Clear M/K/I/E denomination marks
  • Standardized weights across empire
  • Specific denomination within system

Diocletian's Follis (Precursor)

IMP DIOCLETIANVS
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GENIO POPVLI ROMANI
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Characteristics
  • Date: c. 294–305 AD
  • Size: 25-28mm
  • Metal: Bronze with silver wash
  • Key feature: No M/K/I/E marks yet
  • Importance: Shows early follis concept before Anastasius

Collector Note: These are considered "Roman coins" not "Byzantine folles" but show the origins.

For full Roman coin context:

Complete Roman Coins Guide
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THE ANASTASIUS REFORM (498 AD)

The birth of the classic follis system collectors love today

Emperor Anastasius I's Monetary Revolution

In approximately 498 AD, Emperor Anastasius I reformed the bronze coinage system, creating the clear, standardized follis system that would define Byzantine coinage for centuries.

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What Changed in 498 AD?

  • New large bronze follis introduced (~18g, 30-40mm)
  • Clear denomination marks (M/K/I/E system)
  • Standardized weights across all mints
  • Consistent design layout for easy recognition
  • Improved public trust in bronze coinage
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Why This Reform Matters to Collectors

  • Big letters make identification easier
  • Clearer mint marks help attribution
  • Structured layout predictable for reading
  • Abundant surviving examples make collecting affordable
  • System lasted 300+ years creating long series

Before vs After the Reform

Before 498 AD
  • Irregular bronze sizes
  • Unclear denominations
  • Inconsistent mint marks
  • Public distrust
  • Hard to identify today
After 498 AD
  • Standardized 40-20-10-5 system
  • Clear M/K/I/E marks
  • Consistent mint markings
  • Public confidence restored
  • Easy for modern identification

How the New Follis Changed Daily Life

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Trade & Markets

Merchants could confidently price goods knowing coin values were stable.

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Military Pay

Soldiers received reliable bronze for local purchases while on campaign.

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Tax System

Government collected standardized bronze coins they could reuse for payments.

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Economic Trust

People saved bronze coins knowing they'd hold value over time.

For the full Byzantine context:

Byzantine Coins Complete Guide
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M/K/I/E DENOMINATION SYSTEM

Learn this once, identify folles forever

The Bronze Value Marks

Byzantine folles use Greek numeral letters to show their value in nummi (small bronze units). This system is your fastest way to identify and understand these coins.

M

40 Nummi

Follis

Value: 40 nummi (main bronze unit)

Size: 30-40mm (largest bronze)

Weight: ~18g early, decreasing over time

Collector Note: Most common and collected follis type

K

20 Nummi

Half Follis

Value: 20 nummi (half of follis)

Size: 25-30mm

Weight: ~9g early

Collector Note: Less common than M, good for type sets

I

10 Nummi

Decanummium

Value: 10 nummi (tenth of follis)

Size: 20-25mm

Weight: ~4.5g early

Collector Note: Often worn, smaller size

E

5 Nummi

Pentanummium

Value: 5 nummi (smallest common bronze)

Size: 15-20mm

Weight: ~2.25g early

Collector Note: Tiny, often poorly preserved

Other Marks You'll See on Folles

★
Stars & Crosses

Decorative elements, often flanking denomination letter

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Monograms

Imperial or mint officials' marks, especially on early issues

Α Β Γ
Officina Letters

Workshop numbers (Α=1, Β=2, etc.) near denomination

✝
Crosses

Above denomination, religious symbolism grows over time

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Practical Identification Shortcut

If you can find the big letter (M, K, I, or E), you can usually identify the coin family immediately.

Start with the denomination mark, then work outward:

  1. Find the big letter in center of reverse
  2. Note any stars/crosses around it
  3. Look for officina letter nearby
  4. Check exergue for mint mark
  5. Examine obverse portrait for emperor/style

Easy Memory Aid for M/K/I/E

M
"Main" coin (40 nummi)
K
"Kut" in half (20 nummi)
I
"I" for ten (10 nummi)
E
"E" for five (5 nummi)
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HOW TO READ A FOLLIS COIN

Beginner-friendly anatomy lesson from a collector's perspective

Teaching It Like a Collector to a Friend

Reading folles isn't about mastering ancient languages—it's about recognizing patterns and knowing where to look.

Standard Follis Layout

OBVERSE (Front)
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Imperial Portrait

Emperor facing, with crown/regalia

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Legend (Titles)

DN [Name] PP AVG (Our Lord, Father of Country, Augustus)

REVERSE (Back)
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Denomination Mark

Big M/K/I/E in center

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Cross/Star Above

Religious symbol above letter

🏭
Officina Mark

Greek letter (Α, Β, Γ, Δ) for workshop

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Mint Mark

In exergue (bottom line): CON, TES, etc.

Most Common Follis Layouts

Classic Anastasian
  • Obverse: Facing emperor bust
  • Reverse: Large M with cross above
  • Exergue: Clear mint mark
  • Officina: Letter in field
Justinian Era
  • Obverse: Facing emperor with globus cruciger
  • Reverse: M with ANNO date (year of reign)
  • Exergue: Mint + officina combined
Later Byzantine
  • Obverse: Christ or saint portrait
  • Reverse: Religious inscription
  • Marks: Smaller, less clear

What to Write Down When You Find a Follis

Quick Reading Tips for Beginners

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Start with the Big Letter

Find M/K/I/E first—it tells you the denomination immediately.

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Check the Bottom Line

Exergue (bottom section) usually contains mint mark.

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Emperor Holds Globe

If emperor holds globus cruciger (cross-topped orb), it's post-5th century.

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Draw What You See

Even a rough sketch of letters/positions helps identification later.

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FOLLIS LEGENDS & INSCRIPTIONS

Reading the messages from Latin to Greek transition

The Language Evolution on Folles

Early folles use Latin legends, but gradually shift to Greek as the Byzantine Empire evolves. Understanding common abbreviations helps even with worn coins.

Early Folles: Latin Legends (5th-7th Century)

DN ANASTASIVS PP AVG
Anastasius Example

DN: Dominus Noster (Our Lord)
PP: Pater Patriae (Father of the Country)
AVG: Augustus (Emperor)

Full: "Our Lord Anastasius, Father of the Country, Emperor"

DN IVSTINVS PP AVG
Justinian Example

Same formula with different emperor name

Note: Sometimes VICTORIA or VOT adds victory messages

The Gradual Shift to Greek

Early Byzantine (5th-7th C)

Language: Mostly Latin

Examples: DN, AVG, PP, VICTORIA

Collector Tip: If you see Latin, it's likely early period

Transition (7th-9th C)

Language: Mix of Latin and Greek

Examples: Latin titles + Greek mint marks

Collector Tip: Look for mint marks in Greek (ΘЄС, NIC, etc.)

Middle Byzantine (9th-12th C)

Language: Mostly Greek

Examples: IC XC, MP ΘV, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ

Collector Tip: Christ images with Greek abbreviations

Religious Formulas & Symbols

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Crosses

On steps, potent, simple, or globus cruciger

☧
Chi-Rho

Christogram (first two Greek letters of Christ)

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Dove

Holy Spirit symbol on later issues

Practical Legend Reading Approach

Don't Panic If You Can't Read Full Legends

Most collectors identify folles by combination of:

  1. Denomination mark (M/K/I/E)
  2. Mint mark (exergue letters)
  3. Portrait style (emperor features, crown type)
  4. Date clues (ANNO marks for Justinian era)

Even 2-3 letters from the legend combined with mint/denomination often gives positive ID.

For detailed legend reading:

Byzantine Coin Legends Guide
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FOLLIS ICONOGRAPHY

Portraits, crosses, and Christian imagery evolution

Art in Bronze: The Visual Story

Follis designs evolved from imperial propaganda to religious statements, reflecting the empire's transformation.

Imperial Portrait Styles Through Time

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Early (5th-6th Century)

Style: Profile or 3/4 facing busts

Features: Roman military style, diadem, sometimes armor

Example: Anastasius, Justin I, Justinian I

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Middle (7th-9th Century)

Style: Full facing busts

Features: Crown with pendilia, globus cruciger, elaborate robes

Example: Heraclius, Constans II, Leo III

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Late (10th-12th Century)

Style: Christ/saints replace emperors

Features: Religious focus, smaller portraits

Example: Anonymous folles, small module coins

Imperial Regalia on Folles

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Crown Types
  • Diadem: Simple ribbon (early)
  • Stemma: Crown with pendilia (hanging pearls)
  • Closed crown: With cross on top (later)
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Globus Cruciger

Cross-topped orb symbolizing Christian rule over world

Appears: From Justinian I onward

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Consular Regalia

Some emperors shown in consular robes with mappa (cloth)

Rare on folles, more common on gold

Cross Symbolism Evolution

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Early Crosses

Simple crosses above denomination marks

Gradually become more elaborate

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Cross on Steps

Iconoclast period (8th-9th century)

Replaces Christ images during iconoclasm

✝
Cross Potent

Ceremonial cross with bars at ends

Common on miliaresion silver, appears on some folles

Growing Religious Imagery

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Early: Imperial Focus

5th-6th century: Emperor as God's representative

Crosses appear but secondary to imperial image

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Transition: Balance

7th-8th century: Emperor + cross equally important

Iconoclast period emphasizes crosses over figures

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Late: Religious Dominance

9th-12th century: Christ/saints replace emperors

Anonymous folles: No emperor name, only religious types

Collector's Visual Guide

Quick visual dating clues:

  • Profile bust + Latin legend = Early (5th-6th century)
  • Facing bust + globus cruciger = Middle (6th-8th century)
  • Cross on steps + no Christ = Iconoclast (8th-9th century)
  • Christ portrait + Greek legend = Middle/Late (9th-12th century)
  • Tiny module + crude strike = Late (11th-12th century)
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GREAT ERAS OF THE FOLLIS

Timeline chapter: Dating coins by style across centuries

The Follis Story Across 700 Years

Each period left distinctive follis characteristics that help collectors date coins even with partial legends.

1

Early Byzantine Folles

Anastasius → Justinian (491–565 AD)
Key Features
  • Big, clear M folles (30-40mm)
  • Strong mint marks in exergue
  • Latin legends (DN, AVG, PP)
  • Collector-friendly clear strikes
Common Examples

Anastasius I, Justin I, Justinian I large M folles

Collector Note: Most beginner-friendly era. Abundant, clear marks, good condition available.

2

7th Century Transition

Heraclius Era & Beyond (610–711 AD)
Key Features
  • Fabric shifts (weight/module changes)
  • Evolving iconography (more religious)
  • Common wear and crude strikes
  • Family portraits (Heraclius with sons)
Common Examples

Heraclius, Constans II, Constantine IV folles

Collector Note: Often worn but historically significant. Shows empire under pressure.

3

Iconoclasm Period

Leo III → Theophilos (717–842 AD)
Key Features
  • Crosses replace Christ images
  • Cross on steps common type
  • Simplified designs
  • Religious politics reflected in coin styles
Common Examples

Leo III, Constantine V, Theophilos folles with crosses

Collector Note: Distinctive period. No Christ images on coins during iconoclasm.

4

Macedonian Renaissance

Basil I → Basil II (867–1025 AD)
Key Features
  • Stabilization and style clarity returns
  • Anonymous folles begin (see next section)
  • Christ images return after iconoclasm
  • Artistic revival in coin designs
Common Examples

Basil I, Constantine VII, Basil II, anonymous folles Classes A-B

Collector Note: Peak of Byzantine bronze art. Anonymous folles popular with collectors.

5

11th Century Decline

Large Bronze Fades (1025–12th C)
Key Features
  • Folles become smaller/thinner
  • Later "anonymous folles" continue
  • M/K/I/E system fades away
  • Replaced by trachea and smaller denominations
Common Examples

Later anonymous folles (Classes F-I), small module bronzes

Collector Note: End of classic follis system. Coins often crude but historically significant.

Visualizing Follis Size Reduction

6th Century

35-40mm

8th Century

25-30mm

10th Century

20-25mm

12th Century

15-20mm

Note: This visual shrinkage mirrors Byzantine economic and territorial decline.

Quick Dating Tips by Style

  • Big M + Latin legend = 6th century (Justinian era)
  • Family portraits = 7th century (Heraclius era)
  • Cross on steps = 8th-9th century (Iconoclasm)
  • Christ portrait + no emperor name = 10th-11th century (Anonymous)
  • Tiny, crude bronze = 11th-12th century (Late decline)
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ANONYMOUS FOLLES

The most searched follis type: Christ replaces the emperor

What "Anonymous Follis" Really Means

From approximately 970–1092 AD, Byzantine bronze coinage emphasized Christ and religious imagery instead of emperor names. These "anonymous folles" are collector favorites.

Why These Coins Exist

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Religious Ideology

Emphasizing Christ's rule over imperial authority

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Imperial Tradition

Continuation of earlier religious coin types

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Practical Simplicity

Standardized designs easier to produce across decades

Understanding the Class System (Without Academia)

Collectors use letter classes (A through I) to organize anonymous folles by size and inscription. You don't need to memorize all classes—start with the common ones.

A
Class A (Largest)

Size: 28-32mm

Date: c. 970–1030 AD

Features: Christ Pantocrator, clear Greek legends

Collector Note: Most common starting point

B
Class B

Size: 25-28mm

Date: c. 1030–1050 AD

Features: Similar to A but smaller

Collector Note: Still good detail, affordable

C
Class C

Size: 22-25mm

Date: c. 1050–1070 AD

Features: Smaller, legends may be abbreviated

Collector Note: Beginning of size reduction

How to Identify Anonymous Folles

1
Christ Portrait Style

Pantocrator: Mature Christ, facing viewer, right hand blessing

Look for: Cruciform halo (cross in halo), IC XC inscriptions

2
Greek Inscriptions

IC XC: Flanking Christ's head (abbreviation for Jesus Christ)

NI KA: On cross arms ("Conquer" – from Constantine's vision)

3
Reverse Inscriptions

Various religious phrases in Greek

Cross potent or other cross types common

Why Anonymous Folles Are So Popular

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Strong Religious Imagery

Beautiful Christ portraits in miniature art form

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Affordable Entry Point

Most classes available for $50–$300 in decent condition

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Easy to Recognize

Christ + Greek inscriptions = immediate identification

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Good Documentation

Well-studied series with clear classification

Where to Start with Anonymous Folles

Begin with Class A2 or B: These offer the best balance of size, detail, and affordability.

  • Look for: Clear IC XC inscription
  • Avoid: Severe corrosion or completely worn faces
  • Expect to pay: $80–$200 for a nice example
  • First goal: One clear anonymous follis to understand the type

For the full Byzantine context:

Byzantine Coins Complete Guide Anonymous Folles in Byzantine Guide
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BYZANTINE MINTS ON FOLLIS COINS

Where your follis was struck: mint mark identification

Finding the Mint Mark

Most Byzantine folles have mint marks in the exergue (bottom line of the reverse). This tells you where the coin was produced.

How Mint Marks Usually Appear

M
✝
Α
CON
Exergue Location

The horizontal line at the bottom of the reverse design, usually separated by a line.

Contains: Mint abbreviation (CON, TES, NIK, etc.)

Sometimes includes: Officina number or other marks

Major Follis Mints to Know

CON
Constantinople
Primary Mint

Period: Continuous 5th–12th centuries

Variants: CON, CONOB (on gold), sometimes no mark

Output: Majority of folles, highest quality

Collector Note: Most common mint mark

TES
Thessalonica
Major Provincial

Period: 5th–7th, 11th–12th centuries

Variants: TES, ΘЄС (Greek), TESOB

Output: Balkan regional coinage

Collector Note: Slightly cruder than Constantinople

NIK
Nicomedia
Important Mint

Period: 5th–7th centuries

Variants: NIK, NIC, NIKO

Output: Asia Minor coinage

Collector Note: Often well-struck, good detail

KY
Cyzicus
Important Mint

Period: 5th–7th centuries

Variants: KY, KYZ, KYZI

Output: Asian province coinage

Collector Note: Similar quality to Nicomedia

Other Important Follis Mints

Antioch/Theoupolis

Marks: ANT, ANTOB, THEUP

Period: 5th–7th centuries (until Arab conquest)

Alexandria

Marks: ALE, ALEX

Period: 6th–7th centuries (until Arab conquest)

Ravenna

Marks: RAV, RV

Period: 5th–8th centuries (Italian mint)

Syracuse

Marks: SC, SCL

Period: 6th–9th centuries (Sicilian mint)

Easy Mint Mark Reading Method

  1. Locate exergue (bottom line on reverse)
  2. Write letters exactly as they appear (left to right)
  3. Compare with common patterns:
    • CON = Constantinople
    • TES = Thessalonica
    • NIK = Nicomedia
    • KY = Cyzicus
    • ANT = Antioch
  4. Note: Sometimes letters worn—even partial helps
  5. No mark? Many Constantinople issues have no mint mark

Why Mint Matters to Collectors

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Geographic History

Tells which part of empire your coin circulated in

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Affects Value

Some mints are rarer (Syracuse, Alexandria) than others (Constantinople)

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Identification Help

Mint + denomination + emperor often gives positive ID

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HOW TO IDENTIFY A FOLLIS COIN

Master method: Turn any follis into a known type

The Step-by-Step Identification System

This systematic approach works for any follis, from early Anastasian to late anonymous types.

1
Confirm It's Bronze

Look for: Green/brown patina, copper color where worn

Feel: Heavier than similar-sized modern coins

Estimate era by fabric: Thick early coins vs thin late ones

2
Find Denomination Mark

M/K/I/E: Big letter in center of reverse

Anonymous types: Christ portrait instead of letter

If no clear letter: Measure diameter—size indicates era

3
Identify Obverse Portrait

Early imperial: Facing bust, crown, globus cruciger

Anonymous: Christ Pantocrator with IC XC

Style clues: Profile = early, facing = middle, Christ = late

4
Find Mint Mark

Location: Exergue (bottom line on reverse)

Common marks: CON, TES, NIK, KY, ANT

No mark: Often means Constantinople

5
Check Officina & Control Symbols

Officina: Greek letter (Α, Β, Γ, Δ) near denomination

Controls: Stars, crosses, monograms in field

Date marks: ANNO with number (Justinian era)

6
Use Legend Fragments

Latin letters: DN, AVG, PP = early period

Greek letters: IC XC, MP ΘV = middle/late period

Even 2-3 letters can confirm emperor or period

Fast Identification Shortcuts

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Big M + Clear Exergue

= Early Byzantine (6th-7th century)

Look for CON, TES, NIK in exergue

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Christ Portrait + Greek Text

= Anonymous follis (10th-11th century)

Look for IC XC around head

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Tiny, Crude Module

= Later period (11th-12th century)

Often poor strikes, thin flans

Real Identification Examples

👑 DN IVSTI...
M ✝ Α
CON
Case 1: Justinian Follis
  • Step 1: Bronze, thick fabric
  • Step 2: Big M center
  • Step 3: Emperor facing with globe
  • Step 4: CON in exergue
  • Step 5: Officina Α, cross above
  • Step 6: DN IVSTI... (Justinian)
  • ID: Justinian I follis, Constantinople, officina A
🙏 IC XC
IS XS NIKA
Case 2: Anonymous Follis
  • Step 1: Bronze, moderate size
  • Step 2: No M/K/I/E, Christ portrait
  • Step 3: Christ Pantocrator, IC XC
  • Step 4: No mint mark (common for anonymous)
  • Step 5: IS XS NIKA reverse legend
  • Step 6: Greek only, no emperor name
  • ID: Anonymous follis Class A or B

Helpful Identification Tools

Digital Calipers

Measure diameter to 0.1mm precision

10x Loupe

See fine details and legend letters

Good Lighting

LED lamp to highlight details and patina

Reference Books

Sear Byzantine Coins, DOC (Dumbarton Oaks)

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FOLLIS COIN VALUES

What they're worth and why: honest market guidance

Why Most Folles Are Affordable

Folles were produced in massive quantities for everyday use. This means most types are common today, making Byzantine bronze collecting accessible.

Factors Keeping Prices Reasonable

🏭
Huge Production

Millions struck over centuries for daily transactions

👣
Heavy Circulation

Most show wear—few mint state examples survive

💧
Corrosion Common

Bronze susceptible to damage over 1000+ years

What Increases Follis Value

🏛️
Rare Mint

Syracuse, Alexandria, Carthage mints less common than Constantinople

🔤
Rare Officina

Some workshop letters scarcer than others

🎨
Scarce Class/Variety

Some anonymous follis classes rarer than others

💎
Exceptional Condition

Full legends, sharp portrait, attractive patina

Condition Factors Unique to Folles

Patina Quality
  • Good: Even green/brown, stable
  • Bad: Spotted, powdery, artificial-looking
  • Critical: Patina affects value more than on silver/gold
Corrosion Issues
  • Minor: Light even wear acceptable
  • Problem: Active bronze disease (green powder)
  • Fatal: Holes, severe pitting, crumbling edges
Strike & Centering
  • Typical: Byzantine strikes often off-center
  • Good: All legends visible, portrait clear
  • Exceptional: Well-centered, sharp details

Realistic Price Ranges (2024 Market)

Type Average Condition Fine Condition Exceptional Notes
Anastasius Follis (M) $30–$60 $80–$150 $200–$400 First reform coins, often worn
Justinian Follis (M, common) $40–$80 $100–$200 $300–$600 Most common emperor, abundant
Heraclius Follis (M) $50–$100 $150–$300 $400–$800 Family portraits add interest
Anonymous Follis (Class A) $50–$100 $150–$300 $400–$800 Christ Pantocrator type popular
Rare Mint (Syracuse, etc.) $100–$200 $300–$600 $800–$1,500+ Western mints scarcer
Late Small Module $20–$40 $50–$100 $150–$300 Often crude, small size

Budget Collecting Guide

$50–$100 Range

Decent common follis (Justinian, Anastasius) with readable legends

$100–$300 Range

Nice anonymous follis or better imperial follis with clear details

$300–$600 Range

Exceptional examples, rare mints, or excellent anonymous folles

$600+ Range

Rare varieties, mint state condition, or important historical types

For detailed value guidance:

Byzantine Coin Values Guide
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FORGERIES & BRONZE DISEASE

Protection chapter: Spot fakes and preserve your coins

The Bronze Fake Landscape

Folles face significant forgery risks, from modern casts to sophisticated alterations. Knowing what to look for protects your collection and investment.

Common Fake Types Targeting Follis Collectors

🔥
Cast Copies (Most Common)

How to Spot:

  • Bubbly surfaces: Tiny pits from casting bubbles
  • Soft details: Mushy legends, lacking sharpness
  • Seam lines: Often visible on edge (mold lines)
  • Wrong weight: Usually lighter than authentic
  • Artificial patina: Even, "painted" looking green
🔧
Tooled Coins

How to Spot:

  • Recarved details: Letters/portraits look "sharp" in worn fields
  • Tool marks: Under magnification, modern tooling visible
  • Inconsistent wear: Sharp details on otherwise worn coin
  • Added mint marks: Fake letters added to common coins
🎨
Artificial Patina Fakes

How to Spot:

  • Too perfect: Even green color all over
  • Wears off: Rubbing reveals bright bronze underneath
  • Chemical smell: Sometimes detectable odor
  • In pores only: Patina in crevices but not on high points

Bronze Disease: Collector Warning

What It Looks Like
  • Light green powder or crust on surface
  • Active corrosion that spreads
  • Pitting under the crust
  • May feel slightly damp or powdery
Why It Spreads
  • Chloride contamination from burial
  • High humidity reactivates corrosion
  • Can spread to other bronze coins in collection
  • Progressive damage if untreated
Safe Storage & Isolation
  • Isolate affected coins immediately
  • Store in dry environment (40-50% humidity ideal)
  • Use silica gel in storage area
  • Never store with silver or other metals
  • Consult professional for treatment options

Practical Fake Detection Methods

🔍
Magnification Check (10x+)
  • Look for casting bubbles in fields
  • Check for modern tool marks
  • Examine patina under magnification
  • Look for seam lines on edges
⚖️
Weight & Measurement
  • Weigh coin and compare to known examples
  • Measure diameter and thickness
  • Authentic folles have consistent size/weight for era
👂
Sound & Feel Test
  • Authentic bronze has dull "thud" sound when dropped
  • Cast fakes may sound different (hollow)
  • Feel edges for casting seams

Safety Checklist for Buying Folles

Critical Warning: Source Awareness

Problem areas to be cautious with:

  • Bulgarian/Eastern European sellers with bulk "ancient" coins at low prices
  • Online auctions with stock photos only
  • "Too perfect" coins with full legends but low prices
  • Sellers refusing additional photos or information

Protection: Buy from established Western dealers, get third-party opinions for expensive coins, develop relationships with reputable sellers.

For more fake detection help:

Medieval Coin Fakes Guide World Coin Fakes Hub
🟤

COLLECTING FOLLIS COINS

From beginner to advanced: Building meaningful collections

Paths Through Follis Collecting

Follis collecting offers diverse approaches at every budget level. Choose a path that matches your interests and resources.

Beginner-Friendly Starter Set Ideas

🏛️
One M Follis from Each Major Mint
  • Constantinople (CON)
  • Thessalonica (TES)
  • Nicomedia (NIK)
  • Cyzicus (KY)

Budget: $200–$400 for decent examples

Teaches: Mint identification, regional styles

⏳
Anastasius → Justinian Timeline
  • Anastasius I (first reform)
  • Justin I
  • Justinian I (peak era)

Budget: $150–$300 for basic examples

Teaches: Style evolution, legend reading

🙏
Anonymous Folles Starter Set
  • Class A (largest)
  • Class B (medium)
  • Class C (smaller)

Budget: $200–$500 for nice examples

Teaches: Size reduction, religious art

🔢
Denomination Mark Set
  • M (40 nummi)
  • K (20 nummi)
  • I (10 nummi)
  • E (5 nummi)

Budget: $150–$400 (E often hard to find)

Teaches: M/K/I/E system, size relationships

Advanced Collecting Routes

Officina Letter Hunts

Collect all workshop letters (Α, Β, Γ, Δ, etc.) for a specific emperor/mint

Challenge: Some officinae much rarer than others

Advanced skill: Understanding mint organization

Rare Mint Signature Collection

Focus on scarcer mints: Syracuse, Carthage, Alexandria, Ravenna

Challenge: Higher prices, harder to find

Advanced skill: Western Byzantine history

Die-Study Style Collecting

Collect coins showing different dies within same issue

Challenge: Requires careful comparison

Advanced skill: Die identification and study

Class-Based Anonymous Follis Deep Dive

Complete set of anonymous follis classes A through I

Challenge: Later classes (G, H, I) rare/expensive

Advanced skill: Detailed classification knowledge

Storage, Handling & Cataloging

📦
Storage Solutions
  • Mylar flips: Acid-free, clear viewing both sides
  • 2x2 cardboard holders: With Mylar windows
  • Album pages: For organized display
  • Avoid PVC: PVC plastics damage bronze over time
👐
Handling Guidelines
  • Clean hands: Or cotton gloves (prevents oils)
  • Hold by edges: Avoid touching surfaces
  • Soft surface: Felt pad when examining
  • Avoid dropping: Bronze can chip or crack
💧
Climate Control
  • Ideal humidity: 40-50% relative humidity
  • Silica gel: Use in storage containers
  • Stable temperature: Avoid rapid changes
  • Avoid basements/attics: Humidity extremes
⚠️

Critical: Never Clean Aggressively

For folles, cleaning almost always reduces value and damages historical integrity.

  • Patina is protection: Natural corrosion layer preserves underlying metal
  • Authentication clues: Patina patterns help experts verify authenticity
  • Value killer: Cleaning can reduce value by 50-90%
  • If absolutely necessary: Distilled water only, gentle pat dry immediately

When in doubt, leave it alone. Natural bronze patina is beautiful evidence of age.

Essential Cataloging Information

Basic Data
  • Date acquired
  • Purchase price
  • Seller information
Physical Details
  • Weight (grams)
  • Diameter (mm)
  • Die axis position
Identification
  • Emperor/Type
  • Mint mark
  • Denomination mark
  • Officina letter
  • Reference numbers (Sear, DOC)
Visual Record
  • Photos (obverse, reverse)
  • Scale in photos
  • Condition description
🟤

SECTION 15 — WHY THE FOLLIS MATTERS

Legacy, conclusion, and where to go next

The Follis as History in Your Hand

More than just old bronze, folles reveal the economic, religious, and administrative story of the Roman and Byzantine worlds.

What Folles Reveal About Their World

🔄
Monetary Reforms

Anastasian reform shows government restoring economic stability after crisis

🙏
Religious Shifts

Crosses → Christ images → anonymous folles show Christianity's growing role

📉
Economic Pressure

Size reduction over centuries mirrors Byzantine territorial and economic decline

🏭
Mint Organization

Mint marks and officinae reveal sophisticated production system

Why Collectors Love Folles

📜
History + Affordability

Touch 1500-year-old history for $50–$100

🎨
Artistic Variety

Imperial portraits, religious art, evolving styles across centuries

🔍
Identification Challenge

M/K/I/E system, mint marks, legends offer rewarding study

🌍
Geographic Spread

Coins from Constantinople to Syracuse tell empire's reach

The Follis Journey

From Diocletian's first attempts at bronze stability to Anastasius's clear M/K/I/E system, through imperial glory and religious transformation, to final small modules as the empire faded—the follis tells the complete story of Late Roman and Byzantine daily life.

These weren't treasure hoard coins or ceremonial issues. They were the working currency that paid soldiers, bought bread, collected taxes, and connected markets across the Mediterranean for over 700 years.

"In each follis, we hold not just bronze, but the economic heartbeat of an empire that saw itself as eternal Rome transformed by Christian faith."

Where to Go from Here

🏛️
Expand to Full Byzantine Collection

Add gold solidi, silver miliaresia to your bronze folles

Byzantine Coins Guide →
🏺
Explore Roman Origins

Understand the late Roman world that created the follis system

Roman Coins Guide →
⚔️
Continue into Medieval

Follow coinage evolution after Byzantine folles fade

Medieval Coins Guide →

Ready to Start Your Follis Collection?

Begin with one clear M follis or anonymous Christ portrait. The journey through Byzantine bronze starts with a single coin.

Browse Follis Coins Full Byzantine Guide Roman Origins