JUSTINIAN I (1/08/527-14/11/565)
Date: 529-533
Name of the workshop: Théoupolis, (Antioch)
Metal: copper

Degree of rarity: R1
Comments on the state of conservation: Large and complete blank. Unusual representation. Pretty light green patina.
Obverse legend: D N IVSTINI-ANVS PP AV.
Obverse description: Justinian I enthroned facing; he is helmeted, diademed, dressed in a chlamys and holds a long ball-shaped scepter in his right hand and a crucigerous globe in his left.
Obverse translation: “Dominus Noster Iustinianus Perpetuus Augustus”, (Our Lord Justinian Perpetual Augustus).
Reverse legend: +THEVP in exergue.
Reverse description: M between an eight-pointed star on the left and a crescent moon on the right, surmounted by a cross; between the jambs.
Reverse legend: Δ

Comment about this copy: Trace of overstrike on the right and reverse perhaps on the same copy (double strike) or re-use of an older follis.
Comments: Antioch was destroyed by an earthquake on the night of November 29, 528 and subsequently rebuilt under the name Theoupolis (the city of God). In Antioch, which became Théoupolis, there were four issues between 527 and 539 before the introduction of the monetary reform in April 538. For the second issue, the first to bear in the exergue the mark of the new name of the city, we we have four pharmacies.
History: Justinian succeeded his uncle Justin in 527 after a co-regency from April 4 to August 1, 527. He reigned with Empress Theodora. The construction of Hagia Sophia was completed during his reign which marks the peak of the Byzantine conquests. Carthage as well as Africa and part of Numidia were reconquered from the Vandals thanks to general Belisarius. After a century of Vandal domination, Romanism once again reigned over the Mediterranean. Belisarius then attacked the Ostrogoths and took Rome on December 9, 536. Theodora died in 545. Justinian reigned for another twenty years. Childless, his nephew Justin II succeeded him.

Weight: 17,9 gr
Diameter: 31,9 mm