2017-05-02 Tue

Classical Numismatic Group will be auctioning the only known Byzantine coin die on 10th May for an estimated value of $10,000. The die is entering the market again after 15 long years. The iron die was used to create the reverse of a bronze follis coin of Justin I (518 to 527).

Experts state that there are only 100 roman dies exist today of the 1st Century. Most of the iron dies were melted and reused, due to which they are extremely rare. The die weighs 790 gms and is 88 mm long. It is as made, shank rusted and pitted.

The Nicomedia Mint was under the third Officina’s workshop where the die was used. The Officina letter on this die is featured on a small number of coins, which means that the die was not destructed for some reason.