This bronze coin was issued during the reign of Justinian I, one of the most influential rulers of the Byzantine Empire. The obverse features a stylized imperial portrait, emphasizing authority rather than individual realism, characteristic of late Roman and early Byzantine coinage. The reverse prominently displays the large letter “M”, denoting the coin’s value of 40 nummi (follis), along with a cross and mint marks, symbolizing the integration of Christianity into state power. The coin reflects major monetary reforms and the administrative consolidation of the empire under Justinian’s rule.

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