Half Follis of Maurice, Antioch 

This is a half follis coin of Maurice, produced in Antioch, weighing 5.82 grams. Maurice Tiberius, who reigned from 582 to 602 AD, left an indelible mark on the late Roman world through military campaigns and administrative reforms. Coins of his era were more than mere currency; they were tools to communicate power, project identity, and consolidate control over a diverse population. The minting of coins with the emperor's effigy served as a form of propaganda, reinforcing his image among both the military and civilian populations. The symbolism, although traditional, was not without purpose. While the front shows the face of the emperor, the reverse denotes the value of the coin. The historical and economic context of this piece offers insight into the strategies employed by the Byzantine Empire to maintain its dominance. Each coin carries stories of trade, taxation, and the everyday transactions that fueled an empire.