Byzantine Follis Coins: A Collector’s Guide That Doesn’t Put You to Sleep

So you’ve stumbled into the world of Byzantine coins, and now you’re eyeing those chunky copper Folles with a mix of curiosity and confusion. Good news: you’re in the right place. These things are cool—way more interesting than their “old copper coin” reputation suggests.

Let me tell you why.Follis Coins

The Follis: Byzantium’s Workhorse Coin (And Why You’ll Love It)

Picture this: It’s 498 CE, and Emperor Anastasius I is sick of his empire’s janky coinage. People are trading with bronze blobs so worn down they might as well be pebbles. So he says, “Enough!” and introduces the Follis—a big, bold copper coin with actual numbers on it (revolutionary, right?).

Fast forward 1,500 years, and here we are, holding these things like tiny time machines. Some are crude, some are surprisingly artistic, but all of them whisper stories of emperors, markets, and everyday life in Byzantium.

We’ll dig into the Follis’s origins, evolution, collecting tips, and the stories these copper giants have carried through the centuries.

Why Follis Coins Are Collector Gold (Well, Copper)

Let’s face it — before the Follis, Byzantine small change was a mess. Coins were tiny, inconsistent, and barely legible. Then Anastasius stepped in around 498 CE and said, “Let’s fix this.” What followed was the Follis: a large copper coin with clean markings and an unmistakable imperial presence.

A Quick & Dirty History Lesson

  • The Golden Age (Justinian I, 6th century): Folles were thicc, well-struck, and covered in imperial propaganda. Look for the big M (40 nummi) and Christograms—Justinian loved reminding everyone who was in charge.

  • The “We’re Shrinking!” Era (7th–11th centuries): Economic troubles hit, and Folles got smaller, lighter, and sometimes… a little sad. But hey, that makes collecting them more interesting.

  • The End (11th century): The Follis fades out, replaced by newer coins. But for collectors, it’s still the star of the show.

Types You’ll Actually Find (And Afford)

  1. The Classic Big Boy (40 Nummi, “M” Mark) – Heavy, satisfying, and packed with detail. Justinian’s are the most popular, but don’t sleep on later emperors like Heraclius—his beard game was strong.

  2. The Middle Child (20 Nummi, “K” Mark) – Smaller, cheaper, and often overlooked. Perfect for budget collectors who still want quality.

  3. The Tiny But Mighty (10 Nummi, “I” Mark) – These little guys are harder to find in good shape, but when you do, it’s a win.

  4. Regional Oddballs – Coins from Carthage or Antioch sometimes have quirks, like funky mint marks or off-model portraits.

What Makes a Follis Special?

  • Religious Vibes: Crosses, Chi-Rhos, and even full-on Jesus portraits. Byzantium didn’t do subtle.

  • Imperial Ego Trips: Emperor busts range from “regal” to “did a 5-year-old carve this?”

  • Greek Inscriptions: Learn to spot “ΔN” (short for Deus Nobiscum, “God With Us”) and you’ll feel like a pro.

  • That Sweet, Sweet Patina: A good Follis isn’t shiny—it’s got earthy greens, deep browns, or even a bit of red. Fake ones often look like they’ve been dunked in shoe polish.

Types of Folles You’ll Bump Into

The Big Ones

Large Folles with “M” (40 nummi) are where most collectors begin. They’re chunky, satisfying, and often beautifully detailed — especially from major mints like Constantinople and Antioch.

Halves and Quarters

Smaller denominations marked with “K” or “I” (20 or 10 nummi). Easy to overlook, but full of character. Plus, they’re often tougher to find in good condition — a fun challenge.

Regional Varieties

Coins from provincial mints sometimes feel more… let’s say “creative.” You’ll spot funky portraits, irregular strikes, and unique letterforms. If you like quirks, you’ll love these.

What Makes a Follis Stand Out?

Religious Icons & Imperial Swagger

Some Folles are all about the emperor. Others lean hard into Christian symbolism — crosses, Chi-Rho, or even Christ himself. Every design tells a different story about who was in charge and what they believed.

Mint Marks and Inscriptions

These are more than decorative. They help date the coin, place it geographically, and even reveal the year of the emperor’s reign. Crack the code, and you’ve basically time-traveled.

The Copper & The Patina

Most Folles were pure copper or bronze — not flashy, but sturdy. The natural patina (green, brown, or even red) isn’t damage — it’s a badge of authenticity and age.

A Few Books Worth Adding to Your Shelf

Philip Grierson’s “Byzantine Coins” – Scholarly but approachable. A must-read.

David Sear’s “Byzantine Coinage” – Great reference with clear photos and commentary.

Michael Hendy’s “Coinage and History of the Byzantine Empire” – For when you want the deep historical context.

From One Collector to Another: Tips That Help

Start with the classics. Coins from Justinian I and Heraclius are affordable and loaded with symbolism.

Look for bold letters and clean busts. They catch the eye and hold their value.
Avoid anything that looks too perfect. Ancient coins should show their age.
Track your finds. Write down what you got, when, and from whom. Future-you will be grateful.

Where to See the Real Deal

  • British Museum, London – Premier Byzantine displays.
  • Numismatic Museum, Athens – Focused, regional, and rich.
  • Met Museum, New York – Clean, curated, and diverse.
  • Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum – Underrated gem with provincial issues.

How to Start Collecting (Without Going Broke)

  1. Pick an Emperor – Justinian I is the safest bet. His coins are everywhere, and they’re gorgeous.

  2. Ignore “Perfect” Coins – A Follis with clear lettering and a readable portrait is better than a worn-out “mint state” one.

  3. Beware of Fakes – If a seller claims it’s “rare Justinian Follis, only $20!” … run.

  4. Join the Nerds – Forums like CoinTalk or r/AncientCoins are full of folks who love yelling about Byzantine mint marks.

Where to See Them in Person

  • British Museum (London) – The big leagues. Their Byzantine collection is chef’s kiss.

  • Numismatic Museum (Athens) – Want to see regional varieties? This is your spot.

  • Your Local Coin Show – Seriously, dealers sometimes have Folles tucked in their “cheap ancients” bin. Dig around!

Final Thought: Why Bother?

Because holding a Follis is like shaking hands with history. These coins paid soldiers, bought bread, and outlasted an empire. They’re affordable (for now), packed with personality, and just obscure enough to make you feel like a detective when you find a good one.

Start with one. Just one. Then see if you can stop.