40 Nummi - Justinian I (Constantinopolis; Type ♰M♰) ND (527-538) front 40 Nummi - Justinian I (Constantinopolis; Type ♰M♰) ND (527-538) back
40 Nummi - Justinian I (Constantinopolis; Type ♰M♰) ND (527-538) photo
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

40 Nummi - Justinian I Constantinopolis; Type ♰M♰ ND

 
Copper 16 g 29 mm
Description
Issuer
Byzantine Empire (Byzantine states)
Emperor
Justinian I (527-565)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
527-538
Value
1 Follis = 40 Nummi (1⁄180)
Currency
First Solidus Nomisma (498-720)
Composition
Copper
Weight
16 g
Diameter
29 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#297419
Rarity index
91%

Reverse

Large M, cross each side and above, officina letter beneath, CON in exergue.

Lettering:

♰M♰
ϵ
CON

Translation:
M : "40" nummi (= 1 follis).
ϵ : "5th" officina.
CON(stantinopolis) : Constantinopolis.

Comment

Obverse: sometimes with cross above head.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Justinian I, who was the Byzantine Emperor at the time of its minting, on one side, and an image of the Virgin Mary on the other. This highlights the importance of religion in the Byzantine Empire during this period.