SB 495 Maurice Tiberius, 582-602 AD, AE Follis

Among the treasured relics of the ancient world, the SB 495 Maurice Tiberius, 582-602 AD, AE Follis (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 silver, this coin merges artistic merit with precious metal content. Silver's characteristic luster, when preserved, gives these coins a visual brilliance that base metal pieces cannot match. The natural toning that develops on silver over decades or centuries — ranging from golden-brown to deep iridescent hues — is prized by collectors and adds a layer of aesthetic complexity to these already appealing objects. 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.