Justinian I, Copper, Half Follis, Uncertain Mint, 553/554-565
Obverse
Frontal bust of Justinian I with helmet, cuirass, and shield, holding globus cruciger in right hand.
D[ ]VSTINI-NVSPPV
Reverse
with cross above, P below, I|N|D|I in left field, and II in right field.
Obverse
Frontal bust of Justinian I with helmet, cuirass, and shield, holding globus cruciger in right hand.
D[ ]VSTINI-NVSPPV
Reverse
with cross above, P below, I|N|D|I in left field, and II in right field.
| Accession number | BZC.1967.17.6 |
|---|---|
| Ruler | Justinian I |
| Date of Reign | 527–565 |
| Metal | Copper |
| Denomination | Half Follis |
| Mint | Uncertain Mint |
| Date | 553/554 – 565 |
| Diameter | 22.0 mm |
| Weight | 7.33 g |
| Relation of Dies | 2:00 |
| Shape | Flat |
Acquisition History
Purchased from Henry Weller, 17 May 1967
Commentary
Philip Grierson hypothesized that the K of the mark of value goes with INDI, as in Greek (INDIK II). Indiction 2 would be 1 September 553–1 September 554, thus providing a linkage with P on coins of Constantinople dated Anno 26. See Hahn, “Copper of Justinian I with the Mint Mark P, a Reattribution,” 449–50 (this coin), and idem, “Justinian’s Copper with the Mint-Mark P in the Light of Indictional Type-Changes,” 232.
MIBE 169, no. 98 (citing this coin only, under “Imitative Mint [Italy]”).