Emperor Heraclius
Emperor Heraclius & the Coinage Revolution: How a Dying Empire Reinvented Itself in Gold & Bronze When Emperor Heraclius seized power in 610 AD, Byzantium was a dumpster fire. The Persians were carving up the
Tag: Byzantine Coins
Justinian I Coins
Justinian I Coins: Small Masterpieces from Byzantium’s Greatest Emperor There’s something almost surreal about holding a solidus of Justinian I coins. Think about it: this tiny disc of gold — barely the size of a
Justinian I
Byzantine Gold & Power: The Coins of Justinian the Great Holding a Justinian solidus is like gripping a piece of Byzantine propaganda. This wasn’t just money—it was a masterclass in political theater, stamped in gold and bronze.
Commemorative Coins
Commemorative Coins & Regional Byzantine Why These Commemorative Coins Matter? Most people think of Byzantine coins as golden mosaics frozen in time — religious, rigid, and deeply imperial. And they’re not wrong. But within this
Byzantine Coin
Byzantine Coins: Why They’re Still Fascinating Today Let me tell you something — if you’ve ever held a Byzantine coin in your hand, you’ll know what I mean. It’s not just metal. It’s a frozen
Understanding the Symbols on Byzantine Coins
What Are the Symbols on Byzantine Coins? A Collector’s Perspective If you’ve ever looked closely at a Byzantine coin, you’ve probably noticed some strange letters and symbols — things like M, B, crosses, or even
Byzantine Copper Coins Itys
What Are Byzantine Copper Coins “Itys”? Let’s Talk About It Not every coin tells a story. But some do — not in words, but in the way they’re worn, what they show, and how they
Byzantine Emperors Coins Guide
The Complete Guide to Byzantine Emperors and Their Coins When people talk about empires that lasted over a thousand years, there’s really only one that comes to mind — the Byzantine Empire. From 330 AD
How to Identify Medieval Coins
How to Identify Medieval Coins (Without Losing Your Mind) Ever held a really old coin in your hand and thought, “What on earth am I looking at?” That’s how it starts for most of us.
Follis Coins
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.
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
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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The Middle Child (20 Nummi, “K” Mark) – Smaller, cheaper, and often overlooked. Perfect for budget collectors who still want quality.
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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.
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Regional Oddballs – Coins from Carthage or Antioch sometimes have quirks, like funky mint marks or off-model portraits.
What Makes a Follis Special?
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Religious Vibes: Crosses, Chi-Rhos, and even full-on Jesus portraits. Byzantium didn’t do subtle.
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Imperial Ego Trips: Emperor busts range from “regal” to “did a 5-year-old carve this?”
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Greek Inscriptions: Learn to spot “ΔN” (short for Deus Nobiscum, “God With Us”) and you’ll feel like a pro.
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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)
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Pick an Emperor – Justinian I is the safest bet. His coins are everywhere, and they’re gorgeous.
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Ignore “Perfect” Coins – A Follis with clear lettering and a readable portrait is better than a worn-out “mint state” one.
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Beware of Fakes – If a seller claims it’s “rare Justinian Follis, only $20!” … run.
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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
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British Museum (London) – The big leagues. Their Byzantine collection is chef’s kiss.
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Numismatic Museum (Athens) – Want to see regional varieties? This is your spot.
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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.
Byzantine Coins
Byzantine Coins: The Legacy of the Eastern Roman Empire
There’s something deeply magnetic about Byzantine coins. They aren’t just relics from a long-gone empire — they’re like whispers from a world where religion and power walked hand in hand. I remember the first time I turned one over in my hand — that worn portrait, the faint outline of a cross — and suddenly I was holding a thousand years of history.
This guide isn’t just about types and timelines. It’s a collector’s perspective on why Byzantine coins still hold a powerful place in numismatics and how they shaped economies, politics, and beliefs across continents.
Where It All Started: The Rise of Byzantine Coinage
When the Roman Empire split, the East — later called the Byzantine Empire — kept many Roman systems alive, including its coinage. But it was Anastasius I (491–518 AD) who cleaned up the mess. Before him, small change was a chaotic mix.
Anastasius I’s Fix
He introduced the follis, a big bronze coin marked with bold Greek numerals, and improved the gold solidus. Suddenly, people could actually understand the value of their money — and trust it again.
The Coins That Defined an Empire
Over time, Byzantine coinage became known for consistency (especially the gold) and spiritual expression. The three core metals were:
Gold: Solidus (and later, Hyperpyron)
The solidus, introduced by Constantine the Great, held its weight and purity for centuries. It was so reliable that foreign empires copied it. Later, the hyperpyron replaced it when the solidus started to lose value.
Silver: Miliaresion
Used more for ceremonial gifts or diplomacy, these silver coins featured crosses and images of Christ. They’re less common than the gold and bronze types but full of charm.
Bronze: Follis
This was the coin of the people — soldiers, market traders, travelers. You’ll often see a big Greek “M” on them, standing for 40 nummi. These coins have a rugged simplicity that I personally love.
Faith in Metal: Religious Symbolism That Defined an Era
Roman coins had gods and emperors. Byzantine coins had Christ, the Virgin Mary, and imperial portraits that looked more like saints than politicians.
Christ Pantocrator
First shown on coins under Justinian II, this powerful image of Christ as ruler of the universe set the tone for centuries. It’s still one of the most iconic images in Byzantine art.
Crosses, Chi-Rho, and Holy Symbols
Gone were Jupiter and Mars — in came the cross, Chi-Rho, and halos. Coins became portable expressions of faith and imperial legitimacy.
Emperors With Halos
One thing that still gets me: Byzantine emperors didn’t just wear crowns — they wore halos. Coins often showed them holding crosses or globes, asserting not just political authority, but divine approval.
Milestones in Byzantine Coin History
Some emperors left a stronger coinage legacy than others:
- Justinian I (527–565 AD) – Standardized the solidus and helped it dominate trade across Europe and the Middle East.
- Heraclius (610–641 AD) – Introduced the idea of co-rulers (like himself and his sons) on coins.
- Basil II (976–1025 AD) – Minted stable gold during one of Byzantium’s strongest dynasties.
- Alexios I Komnenos (1081–1118 AD) – Replaced the solidus with the hyperpyron to stabilize the economy during turbulent times.
Coins as Propaganda
One of my favorite things about Byzantine coins? They reflect real-time politics. During the Iconoclast Controversy, religious images disappeared from coins. When icons were restored, so were the sacred images.
Coins also marked victories, alliances, or claims to power — you can practically read a dynasty’s storyline through the changing designs.
The Slow Fade: Decline of Byzantine Coinage
By the 11th century, cracks began to show. Wars, inflation, and poor leadership chipped away at the empire’s wealth. The once-proud solidus got lighter, and by the time of the Fourth Crusade (1204), foreign coins like the Venetian ducat were taking over.
Byzantine coinage limped along until 1453, when Constantinople fell. After that, the Ottomans took over, and the minting traditions of Byzantium came to a close.
Why Collect Byzantine Coins Today?
They’re honest. They’re beautifully strange. They carry both art and authority. And you don’t have to be a millionaire to own a piece of them.
Whether you’re drawn to Christ Pantocrator, the stylized busts of emperors, or the sheer age of these coins, collecting Byzantine issues is like building a museum of stories — one coin at a time.
Some of my favorite pieces weren’t the expensive ones, but the ones with worn details, where the faint outline of a halo or cross still shines through.
Final Thoughts
Byzantine coins aren’t just old money — they’re voices from a complex, faith-filled, powerful world. A solidus or follis in your hand is like a time machine back to Constantinople’s golden streets, candlelit basilicas, and emperors who saw themselves as servants of God and guardians of Rome’s legacy.
If you’ve never owned one, start simple. A humble bronze follis can open the door. And once you’re in, you may never look at ancient coins the same way again.
Happy collecting!
Ancient Coins
Ancient Coins: A Collector’s Journey Through Time
Introduction – Why Ancient Coins Still Fascinate
Pick up an ancient coin and turn it over in your hand. You can almost feel the miles it’s traveled — through markets, along trade routes, maybe even across battlefields. I remember the first time I held one; it was a worn Roman bronze. Nothing rare, nothing valuable in money terms, but I couldn’t stop staring at it. Someone in a toga, two millennia ago, used that same coin to buy their daily bread.
Ancient coins aren’t just bits of metal. They’re history you can touch. Some were struck to celebrate a victory, others to honor a god, and plenty just kept everyday life moving. This guide is my way of sharing the basics (and a few secrets) of ancient coins — where they came from, how to identify them, and how to start building your own collection.
1. A Short Stroll Through Ancient Coin History
The First Sparks – Lydia and Beyond
Most people are surprised to learn that coins didn’t start in Greece or Rome. They began in Lydia (modern Turkey) around the 7th century BC. These first coins were rough little lumps made from electrum — a natural gold-silver mix — stamped with a simple design. No portraits, no fancy imagery, just a mark saying, “This is worth something.”
The Persians picked up the idea next, producing gold darics and silver sigloi that traveled across their empire. Once coins existed, they spread like wildfire.
Greek Coins – Tiny Works of Art
If Lydia invented coins, the Greeks perfected them. Cities competed not just in trade and war, but in the beauty of their coinage.
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Athens had its famous silver tetradrachms with Athena on one side and an owl on the other — the owl being a nod to wisdom.
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Corinth went for Pegasus, the winged horse, paired with Athena’s head.
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And Syracuse in Sicily? Their decadrachms show such exquisite detail you’d think they were engraved yesterday.
Greek coins were often local in pride and story — you could tell where a coin came from just by the symbol on it.
The Hellenistic Spread
After Alexander the Great marched across half the known world, coins bearing his image popped up everywhere — even in places he’d never set foot. His successors, like the Seleucids and Ptolemies, issued their own coins, still in that Greek style but adapted to their kingdoms.
Rome Takes the Stage
The early Roman Republic struck silver denarii and chunky bronze coins called asses. Designs often honored Rome’s gods or great families. Once Augustus became the first emperor, coins changed forever. Portraits of the ruler became the standard, with the reverse side telling the empire’s latest news — military victories, building projects, political promises.
Gold aurei were high-value coins, silver denarii were the everyday workhorse, and bronze sestertii filled the gaps for smaller transactions.
Byzantine Continuation
Even after Rome “fell” in the West, the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire kept the coinage going for another thousand years. The gold solidus became one of the most stable currencies in history. By then, Christian imagery replaced pagan gods, reflecting the empire’s shift in faith.
2. Types of Ancient Coins You’ll Encounter
When you start collecting, you’ll quickly notice ancient coins fall into a few broad categories.
By Civilization
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Greek – Celebrated for their artistry and city-state pride.
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Roman – The most varied, covering the Republic, the Empire, and provincial issues.
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Byzantine – Rich in Christian imagery and gold coinage.
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Others – Persian, Celtic, Illyrian, Chinese, Indian — each with its own flair.
By Metal
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Gold – Prestige, wealth, and power. Often high purity and struck for major transactions.
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Silver – Everyday commerce and military pay.
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Bronze/Copper – Market stalls, local purchases, and the coins most people actually used daily.
By Denomination
Each culture had its own system.
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Greek: obol, drachm, tetradrachm.
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Roman: as, sestertius, denarius, aureus, solidus.
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Byzantine: follis, histamenon, miliaresion.
3. How Ancient Coins Were Made
Ancient coins weren’t cranked out by machines. They were struck by hand — literally. A blank metal disc (the flan) was placed between two engraved dies, then hit with a hammer. That’s why no two ancient coins are perfectly identical.
Greeks favored high-relief designs; Romans produced faster but kept the detail; the Chinese often cast coins in molds instead of striking them. Each method left telltale signs that can help with identification.
4. How to Identify an Ancient Coin
This is the fun part — detective work.
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Start with the Portrait
Is it a god, an emperor, or a symbolic figure? Hairstyles, crowns, and even facial hair can tell you the era. -
Read the Legend
Those Latin or Greek letters aren’t just decoration. They spell out names, titles, sometimes even the mint city. -
Study the Reverse
The reverse tells stories: battles, gods, temples, even promises of peace. -
Check the Metal and Size
Heavier gold or silver coins were higher denominations; small bronzes were for everyday markets. -
Look for Mint Marks
Tiny letters, often at the bottom of the reverse, can pinpoint where the coin was struck — “ROM” for Rome, “ANT” for Antioch, and so on.
(Link this to your “Identifying Roman Coins” guide for deeper details)
5. Starting Your Ancient Coin Collection
If you’re just starting, you don’t need to spend a fortune. My first coin cost less than a dinner out.
Tips:
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Pick a focus — maybe a single ruler, a metal type, or a time period.
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Start with common bronzes to learn the ropes.
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Read before you buy — a little research can save you a lot of money.
Where to Buy:
Reputable dealers, auction houses, coin fairs, and trusted online platforms.
Avoiding Fakes:
Learn the common signs — casting seams, wrong weight, suspiciously perfect surfaces.
6. Caring for Ancient Coins
Ancient coins have survived thousands of years — they’ll outlast us if we treat them right.
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Store in acid-free flips or trays.
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Keep away from moisture.
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Don’t polish — you’ll strip away history (and value).
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Bronze coins need regular checks for “bronze disease,” a green powdery corrosion that can spread.
7. Join the Community
Coin collecting is much more rewarding when you share it. Forums like CoinTalk, NumisForums, and even dedicated Facebook groups are full of people happy to help identify coins, swap collecting stories, and share finds.
Conclusion – Coins as Time Travelers
Every ancient coin you pick up is a survivor. It’s been buried, handled, lost, found, and now sits in your hand — the latest chapter in a story that began centuries ago.
Start small, keep learning, and before long, you’ll have not just a collection, but a personal museum of history.
