Ancient Byzantine Bronze Coin of Emperor Nicephorus I (Ruler of the Byzantine Empire)

Nicephorus I & Stauracius Syracuse AE Follis (AD 802-811) — Dynastic Sicilian Outpost

Large bronze follis from Nicephorus I + son Stauracius — minted in Syracuse during final Byzantine control of Sicily.

Father-Son Imperial Design

• Obverse: Facing Nicephorus I — short beard, crowned loros, cross potent; N field mark

• Reverse: Facing Stauracius — beardless, crowned chlamys, globus cruciger; C field mark

Technical Specifications

• Material: Bronze (AE)

• Denomination: Follis (major transaction unit)

• Period: AD 802-811

• Mint: Syracuse (Sicilian Byzantine stronghold)

Dynastic Projection

• Nicephorus I seized throne after Irene's deposition

• Stauracius co-emperor (later sole rule 811, died of wounds)

• Syracuse = vital Mediterranean outpost before Arab conquest

• Dynastic portraiture ensures succession legitimacy

Collector Masterpiece

Rare Sicilian follis showing father-son power transition. Western Byzantine essential.

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