Description: Justinian I | AE Follis Reference: SB 158, DOC 28 Date: 527-537 CE Obverse: DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right Reverse: Large M. star to left, cross above, cross right. Gamma (officina) below, CONS in exergue Mint: Constantinople Size: 32.2 mm Weight: 16.71 grams Justinian I is a highly controversial Roman emperor who is famous for his wars of reconquest in Italy, North Africa, and Spain; building the Hagia Sophia; and codifying Roman law. He also reformed the bronze coinage in 538 CE. This follis is a nice example of a pre-reform coinage struck according to the old style and standards of Anastasius I (491-518 CE) The Empire Strikes Back. Most high school history classes frame the fall of the western Roman Empire as the end of the Roman Empire in its entirety. Its an enticing stopping point complete with images of bearded Vandal and Visigoth barbarians swarming over the Roman Forum and looting the great monuments of antiquity. But this view is as dramatic as it is historically inaccurate. The Roman Empire lived on for over another millennia in the East. In fact, the Romans would take their revenge against those same barbarians who sacked Rome; and in the case of the Ostrogoths and Vandals, would eliminate them from history. The Byzantine Romans even maintained control over parts of Italy well into the 11th century CE. For rather unsavory reasons, 18th century historians from Britain and Germany refused to acknowledge the eastern portion of the empire as a true continuation of the Roman Empire and thus dubbed it "the Byzantine Empire"; a term which no person living within said empire's dominion would have been familiar with. The historical sources make it clear that "Byzantines" continued to rightfully consider themselves Romans all the way up until the fall of Constantinople at the hands of the Turks in 1453 CE. Anthony Kaldellis of the University of Chicago has written several great books on this topic, and I would highly encourage the curious to check them out. Policies I apply the highest ethical standards in selling ancient coins. All coins are guaranteed to be genuine and any item found to be otherwise may be returned for a full refund. The most important thing is that you are happy with your new coin(s)! All coins are shipped in PVC-free, archival-grade coin flips and inserts made of acid-free paper Domestic (USA) shipping only If you purchase multiple items please message me and I will combine the shipping for you. I accept all returns within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the item. No explanation is required for the return, but it would be appreciated. Any item which has been altered from its original state may not be returned. Don't see what you're looking for? Just shoot me a message, I might have it but haven't gotten around to listing it!
Price: 29.99 USD
Location: Canton, Michigan
End Time: 2024-03-17T21:52:57.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Historical Period: Byzantine (300-1400 AD)
Composition: Bronze
Era: Ancient
