Roman Copper Coin
Item
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Title
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Roman Copper Coin
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Description
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Large copper coin, known as a "Follis" from the reign of Emperor Maurice Tiberius, 588-89 CE.
The front shows bust of the Emperor crowned, cuirassed, facing front, and holding globus curciger (an orb with a cross) and a shield.
On the reverse is a large 'M' (denoting the denomination of 40 Nummi) between columnar arrangements of: A/N/N/O to the right, and columnar arrangement of ‹l/ l l to the left. ANNO and numerals together represent the regnal year, in this case the seventh regnal year, hence the date 588/89. The Μ is surmounted by a cross and, beneath, the officina β denotes the division of the mint responsible for the issue of the follis. Below, NIKO designates the Mint of Nicomedia ( active 498 CE– 627 CE) as the source of the coin.
Maurice Tiberius, Emperor from August 13, 582 through November 22, 602, is recognized as one of the most dynamic Byzantine rulers. He brought the Persian wars to a successful conclusion and reorganized the Exarchates of Ravenna and Carthage. Unfortunately, he was unable to stop the Slav and Avar advance in the Balkans which precipitated a serious loss of territory and prestige for the empire. In 602, Maurice was overthrown by a military revolt. He fled but was overtaken in Asia Minor and he and his sons were murdered.
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Identifier
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2008.036.035
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Source
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Nicomedia
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Subject
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Numismatics
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Provenance
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William and Catherine Sell
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Date Created
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588-589 CE
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Is Part Of
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Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
