These are folli or nummi and the value depicited by the letter M is 40. Over the life of the Byzantine Empire they varied in size

The Byzantine bronze coins called a follis weighed at 8.5 grs and were made from the multiple versions of this coin such as the 40 nummi (follis), 20 nummi, 10 nummi, and 5 nummi coins (other denominations were occasionally produced). The obverse (front) of these coins featured a highly stylized portrait of the emperor while the reverse (back) featured the value of the denomination represented according to the Greek numbering system (M=40,K=20,I=10,E=5)

Byzantine coinage is considered to begin late in the 5th century with the monetary reforms of Anastasius I. It was at this time that the characteristic denominations of the Byzantine Empire first appeared - the gold solidus, a continuation of the solidus introduced by Constantine I, and the new follis, introduced by Anastasius as a large bronze coin worth 40 of the tiny bronze nummi which were the only subsidiary denomination to survive the turmoil of the 4th and 5th centuries AD.
A characteristic of Byzantine coinage is the use of Christian religious symbolism - from images of the cross to images of Christ. The old image of Nike (winged goddess of victory) was converted into a male angel, the cross and the halo became stock images, and facing busts became the most common method of depicting people. Byzantine interest in the spirit and in religion is strongly reflected in their art, and their coins are no exception. Symbolism and mysticism became central themes in the design of Byzantine gold coins, creating an intriguing and beautiful coinage

Weight: 19.5 grams
Dimensions: Length: 3.5 cm - Width: 2.8 cm

Very good condition as shown in the pictures

Found near Jerusalem, Israel

ALL ITEMS THAT WE OFFER FOR SALE COME WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY