Sale: CNG 69, Lot: 1809. Closing Date: Jun 08, 2005. Estimate $200 

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. 

The reverse type on this specimen, introduced under Justin I, 
was the first type used at Thessalonica. Previously, the only 
known Justinian I issue with this reverse was a specimen struck 
using a modified obverse die of Justin (cited by Metcalf). Our
coin was certainly struck from an obverse die of Justinian, not 
a re-cut Justin die. The crude style is normal for the early 
Thessalonica issues (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.

Copyright © CNG 2002
High bid of $850, $977.5, €688.5, £467.5, C$1062.5, A$1105, on June 8, 2005.

Used by permission of CNG, www.cngcoins.com