Sale: CNG 69, Lot: 1809. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2005.  Sold For $850. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

JUSTINIAN I. 527-565 AD. Æ Follis (12.66 gm, 6h). Thessalonica mint. Struck 527-528 AD? Crude diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Large M; cross above, stars flanking; A/THESSOB. DOC I -; Metcalf, Copper p. 12, pl. I, B; MIB I -; SB -. Near VF, olive green patina, scrape on head. ($200)

The reverse type on this specimen, introduced under Justin I, was the first type used at Thessalonica. Prior to this piece, the only known issue of Justinian I with this reverse was a specimen struck using a modified obverse die of Justin (cited by Metcalf). The present piece was certainly struck from an obverse die of Justinian, not a re-cut Justin die. The crude style of the coin is consistent with the early issues of Thessalonica (Metcalf's "Primitive style"), and does not suggest it is a contemporary imitation. It is possible that this is a brief transitional issue from early in Justinian's reign, before the introduction of the local monetary system, circa 528 AD.