The Byzantine Empire was another name for the surviving eastern half of the Roman Empire.

Justinian I was Byzantine emperor from 527 to 565 AD. During his reign, Justinian sought to revive the empire's greatness and reconquer the lost western half of the historical Roman Empire. His reign also marked a blossoming of Byzantine culture, and his building program yielded such masterpieces as the church of Hagia Sophia.

Justinian was one of the first Roman Emperors to be depicted wielding the cross on the obverse of a coin. He issued gold, silver, and copper coins. These coins were issued in the denomination of Solidus, Follis, Nummi, Siliqua etc.

Depicted here is a Half-follis issued during his reign from Constantinople mint. The coin depicted the legend DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG, helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield; cross in right field. The reverse of coin bore the Large K, ANNO to left, cross above, regnal year to right, officina letter below.

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