SB 159 Justinian I

Among the treasured relics of the ancient world, the SB 159 Justinian I (Turkey), denomination Follis, stands as a compelling numismatic specimen. The imagery and inscriptions on ancient coins provided citizens with information about their rulers and the values of their civilization — a function that modern currency rarely fulfills so directly. Struck during the ancient period, this coin represents one of humanity's earliest forms of monetary exchange. Ancient coinage emerged in the kingdoms of Lydia and the city-states of Greece around the seventh century BCE, spreading through conquest and trade to encompass the Persian Empire, Hellenistic kingdoms, Republican and Imperial Rome, and numerous regional civilizations. The artisans who crafted these dies were among the most skilled of their age, producing miniature masterpieces of portraiture and symbolic imagery that remain astonishing to modern eyes. Struck in bronze, this coin belongs to the workhorse category of historical coinage. Bronze coins circulated in enormous quantities, passing through countless hands in markets, taverns, and counting houses. Their survival in any condition is a testament to the durability of the alloy, while examples in superior grades are prizes for the discriminating collector. For the serious numismatist, acquiring this coin in the finest available grade is the ideal strategy. Professional certification from NGC or PCGS not only authenticates the piece but encapsulates it in tamper-evident holders that protect against accidental handling damage. The long-term value proposition of well-graded, original-surface examples of numismatic rarities has been demonstrated repeatedly in the major auction houses of New York, London, and Hong Kong.