Follis — Anonymous — Christ, Class A1 — First of Series

Obverse: + EMMANOVHL, facing bust of Christ wearing nimbus cruciger, two pellets in each cross limb, pallium and colobium, holding ornamented Gospels with both hands; IC to left, XC to right

Reverse: + IhSuS / XRISTuS / bASILEu / bASILE ("Jesus Christ King of Kings")

Mint Info: Constantinople, AD 969–976

Mass: 7.85 g

Diameter: 27.5 mm

The anonymous Class A1 follis places the image of Christ at the center of Byzantine imperial ideology, replacing the traditional imperial portrait with a representation of divine authority. Christ is shown facing forward with a cruciform halo and holding the Gospels, while the inscription + EMMANOVHL ("Emmanuel") identifies Him as the promised divine figure. The reverse inscription + IhSuS XRISTuS bASILEu bASILE ("Jesus Christ King of Kings") presents Christ as the ultimate ruler above earthly emperors. Class A1 folles are characterized by their smaller, thinner flans and are frequently found overstruck on earlier folles of Nicephorus II or Constantine VII, reflecting the continued reuse of bronze coinage in the Byzantine economy.

This anonymous type was issued during the reign of John I Tzimiskes, who ruled the Byzantine Empire from AD 969 to 976 and strengthened imperial power through successful campaigns against the Rus' and expansion of Byzantine influence in the east. Anonymous folles were a major development in Byzantine coinage, beginning under the reign of John I's predecessor and continuing for several centuries, with religious imagery replacing the emperor's portrait to emphasize the Christian foundation of imperial authority. The large bronze follis served as a common denomination for everyday transactions throughout the Byzantine Empire.