Byzantine Bronze Follis of Justin II and Sophia (about 1,450 years ago)

Justin II & Sophia AE Follis (AD 565-578) — Empress Power Partnership

Bronze follis from Justin II + Empress Sophia joint reign — rare depiction of imperial couple sharing throne during Byzantine transition era.

Double Imperial Throne

• Obverse: Justin II + Sophia enthroned — facing forward, crowned, scepters (shared authority)

• Reverse: Large M (40 nummi) — cross above, date, mintmark

Technical Specifications

• Material: Bronze (AE)

• Denomination: Follis (40 nummi)

• Period: AD 565-578 (post-Justinian)

• Mints: Empire-wide production

Sophia Regency Era

• Followed Justinian I's death; initial stability

• Justin's mental decline → Sophia governing power

• External threats: Persians, Slavs, Lombards

• Rare female imperial prominence on coinage

Collector Masterpiece

Exceptional joint-rule bronze showcasing empress political partnership. Byzantine power couple essential.

Note: Coins shown are representative examples of grade/type, not actual specimens.