Description
This is a Byzantine bronze follis coin from the reign of Emperor Maurice Tiberius, who ruled the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire from 582 to 602 AD.
Coin Description:
Obverse (left side):
Portrait of Maurice Tiberius: The emperor is shown facing forward, wearing military attire (possibly a cuirass and cloak) and a helmet with plume or diadem.
Diameter: 36mm
Weight: 10.50g
Inscriptions: Around the image, although somewhat worn, you can faintly read “DN MAVRICIVS PP AVG”, which is short for Dominus Noster Mauricius Perpetuus Augustus (“Our Lord Maurice, Forever Augustus”). He is holding a globus cruciger (a globe topped with a cross) in his right hand and a shield on his left arm—standard imperial symbols of Christian authority and military power.
Reverse (right side):
Large “M”: This is the denomination mark for 40 nummi, which equals a follis.
“ANNO”: Indicates the regnal year of the emperor’s rule, followed by numerals (likely “XX” or similar, though partially worn), which marks the year of reign.
Mint Mark: Below the M is the mint mark, likely “CON” for Constantinople.
Additional symbols and letters around the “M” may denote officina (mint workshop) or specific dating codes.
Historical Context:
Coins like this were used throughout the Byzantine Empire for daily transactions. Maurice’s folles are especially valued among collectors for their solid craftsmanship and the clarity of imperial symbology. They were issued in large quantities, but variations in mint and year can affect value.
