BYZANTINE JUSTINIAN I FOLLES COIN PENDANT IN 14KY GOLD

527 - 565 A.D.

Struck under the rule of Justinian I at the mint in Cyzicus, this breathtakingly beautiful and very large 'M' folles coin features a most stunning sea foam green patina that it is one of the most beautiful but seldom occurring characteristics with ancient bronze coins.  The color contrasts in such a rich manner with the bright high polish of the 14K yellow gold setting.  This is a very large ancient bronze coin at 32 mm, the size of a U.S. silver dollar!  

The Byzantine folles coin shown above features a superbly struck reverse design with the classic 'M' which stood for the Greek number 40, the monetary units that the folles was worth.  One folles was equal to 40 nummi in the Byzantine monetary system.  Another interesting way of personalizing the significance of this coin would be to wear it if you just turned 40 years of age or if one of your initials was the letter M.

Originally known as Peter, the nephew of Justin I was born in Illyria in 483 A.D..  He was renamed Justinian and became a trusted advisor upon his uncle's accession, Justin I, as well as heir to the throne.  Justinian embarked upon his momentous reign in 527 A.D. and ruled the Byzantine Empire for almost four decades.  During this time, North Africa was recovered from the Vandals, Italy liberated from the Goths and a footing gained in Spain.  The Mediterranean was once again (and for the last time in history) ruled by the Romans.  

At home, the emperor was equally successful and the most famous of his architectural achievements was the construction of the great church of St. Sophia, the number one church at the center of the Byzantine Empire!  This remarkable building, which is still one of the most prominent landmarks of modern Istanbul, exercised a powerful influence on all later Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture.  During the reign of Justinian, his codification of Roman law was the best in the legal system which had evolved over so many centuries.  

Unfortunately, this tremendous activity had greatly taxed the Empire and soon after Justinian's death, it became clear that the Byzantines were not able to bear the burden of the great emperor's achievements.  Much of his conquests were quickly undone.  In the dark days that followed, the reign of Justinian was looked back upon as a Golden Age!

A sizable and very highly recommended piece.  Overall diameter is 32 mm.

CPB005     SOLD

*if desired, add $195 for chain shown, a 16" 14K two- tone yellow gold popcorn chain with white gold bead accents.

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