{"product_id":"byzantine-empire-ae-follis-of-justin-ii","title":"Byzantine Empire AE Follis of Justin II (AD 565–578)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"264\" data-end=\"586\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eA genuine bronze AE follis struck during the reign of \u003cstrong data-start=\"318\" data-end=\"331\"\u003eJustin II\u003c\/strong\u003e, nephew and successor of the famed Emperor Justinian I. His reign marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Byzantine Empire as it sought to defend the vast territories inherited from Justinian while facing mounting military and political challenges.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"588\" data-end=\"1054\"\u003eThis coin circulated during a period of significant change in the Eastern Roman Empire. Justin II inherited an empire at its greatest territorial extent but was soon confronted by invasions from the Lombards in Italy and renewed conflict with the Sasanian Persian Empire. Coins of his reign are among the most recognizable Byzantine issues, often depicting Justin II and Empress Sophia seated together, emphasizing the shared authority of the imperial household.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1056\" data-end=\"1490\"\u003eThis specimen was acquired directly from detectorist Marius Staszak, who personally recovered it through legal metal detecting activities in Europe. Based on information provided by the finder, this coin forms part of a collection of Roman and medieval coins recovered during a 2025 metal-detecting expedition through Romania and Bulgaria. The exact recovery location for this specimen was not documented at the time of discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1492\" data-end=\"1660\"\u003eEach coin includes a printed provenance record documenting its acquisition directly from the finder and its cataloging into the Jill and the Gems historical collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1dr5t50\" data-start=\"1667\" data-end=\"1678\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1680\" data-end=\"1905\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1rzd5jz\" data-start=\"1680\" data-end=\"1704\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"1694\"\u003eEmperor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Justin II\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"18o6jr3\" data-start=\"1705\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1707\" data-end=\"1717\"\u003eReign:\u003c\/strong\u003e AD 565–578\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1565yfg\" data-start=\"1729\" data-end=\"1776\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1731\" data-end=\"1740\"\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Byzantine Empire AE Follis (Bronze)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"155qg7c\" data-start=\"1777\" data-end=\"1811\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1779\" data-end=\"1801\"\u003eCollection Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e JTG-B-172\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1rjo04y\" data-start=\"1812\" data-end=\"1863\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1829\"\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acquired directly from the finder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"wycrbt\" data-start=\"1864\" data-end=\"1905\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1866\" data-end=\"1879\"\u003eIncludes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Printed provenance record\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"19ls3ll\" data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1937\"\u003eHistorical Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1939\" data-end=\"2382\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1rb5f2r\" data-start=\"1939\" data-end=\"2019\"\u003eNephew and successor of Justinian I, one of Byzantium's greatest emperors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"bitmqt\" data-start=\"2020\" data-end=\"2110\"\u003eRuled during the transition from imperial expansion to defending the empire's frontiers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1f7i1tm\" data-start=\"2111\" data-end=\"2232\"\u003eByzantine folles of his reign frequently portray Justin II and Empress Sophia, a distinctive feature of the period.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"n22lhv\" data-start=\"2233\" data-end=\"2324\"\u003eFaced invasions by the Lombards and renewed war with the Sasanian Persian Empire.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1cpqf41\" data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2382\"\u003eThis coin circulated approximately 1,450 years ago.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Jill \u0026 The Gems","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47929872580771,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0739\/4148\/3683\/files\/172front.png?v=1785213950","url":"https:\/\/jillandthegems.com\/products\/byzantine-empire-ae-follis-of-justin-ii","provider":"Jill \u0026 The Gems","version":"1.0","type":"link"}