Byzantine Empire AE Follis of Leo VI "The Wise" (AD 886–912)

A genuine bronze AE follis struck during the reign of Leo VI "The Wise," one of the Byzantine Empire's most influential scholar-emperors. His reign marked a period of intellectual and legal renewal known as the Macedonian Renaissance, during which Byzantine scholarship, literature, and imperial administration flourished.

This coin circulated at a time when the Byzantine Empire stood as the continuation of the Roman Empire in the East. Leo VI is remembered not only as an emperor but as a prolific writer and reformer. He commissioned the Basilika, one of the most important legal compilations in Byzantine history, preserving and modernizing Roman law for future generations.

This 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.

Each coin includes a printed provenance record documenting its acquisition directly from the finder and its cataloging into the Jill and the Gems historical collection.

Details

• Emperor: Leo VI "The Wise"
• Reign: AD 886–912
• Type: Byzantine Empire AE Follis (Bronze)
• Collection Number: JTG-B-193
• Provenance: Acquired directly from the finder
• Includes: Printed provenance record

Historical Highlights

• Known to history as "Leo the Wise" for his scholarship and literary works.
• Commissioned the Basilika, one of Byzantium's most influential legal codes.
• Ruled during the Macedonian Renaissance, a period of renewed learning and artistic achievement.
• The Byzantine Empire preserved many traditions of the ancient Roman Empire long after the fall of Rome in the West.
• This coin circulated more than 1,100 years ago.