Watch List notes:

Justinian I, 527-565. Follis (Bronze, 38 mm, 21.53 g, 5 h), Theoupolis (Antiochia), RY 16 = 542/3. D N IVSTINI-ANVS P P AVI Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing, holding globus cruciger in his right hand and shield, decorated with cavalryman, with his left; in right field, cross. Rev. Large M between A/N/N/O and X/ς above, cross; below, Γ; in exergue, CHЄЧΠο. DOC 216. MIB 144. SB 219. Rare. Light doubling, otherwise, good very fine.


This coin was struck in Antiochia right before the great Plague of Justinian, one of the deadliest pandemics in history. The emperor himself contracted the disease, but eventually recovered from it. Because of the onset of the plague, there are no coins of with the regnal years 17, 18 and 19.