Byzantine Follis

About Byzantine Follis

The large bronze coin introduced by Anastasius I as part of his monetary reform. Featured the emperors portrait and the denomination mark M for 40 nummi. The follis was the everyday coin of the Byzantine Empire for centuries. Justinian I minted follis with his image across the empire. The size and weight declined over the centuries, reflecting economic strain. By the 11th century, the follis was tiny compared to its original size, showing the empires decline.