Follis
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The follis was a Roman coin denomination that played an important role in the later stages of the Roman Empire, particularly during the Dominate period (approximately 284–476 AD). The coin’s history reflects the evolving economic needs of the Empire as it transitioned from the Principate to the Dominate and faced increasing inflation and fiscal challenges. The follis was primarily made of bronze or copper, although it was initially introduced as a larger copper coin during the reign of Diocletian in the late 3rd century AD. It was part of a wider reform of the Roman currency system aimed at stabilizing the economy.
The introduction of the follis was part of Diocletian’s broader efforts to reform the coinage system as the Roman Empire struggled with debasement, hyperinflation, and economic instability. Prior to these reforms, the Roman currency was largely based on silver and gold coins, such as the denarius and the aureus, but the economic difficulties of the time led to a greater reliance on lower-value bronze and copper coins. The follis, introduced around 294 AD, was one of the main denominations in this new coinage system, designed to be more suitable for everyday transactions. The follis was typically worth **one or two ** of the smaller nummus coins, but its value fluctuated as the Empire’s economy experienced inflationary pressures.
Under Diocletian’s reforms, the follis was stamped with the emperor’s image, usually depicted in a military or laureate portrait, reflecting the centralization of authority and the emphasis on imperial power. The reverse side of the follis typically featured symbols of the emperor’s reign, such as deities, victories, or allegorical figures like Felicitas (representing prosperity) or Pax (symbolizing peace), reinforcing the emperor’s role as a guarantor of stability and prosperity. Over time, the size and weight of the follis were subject to reductions, as the economic situation deteriorated and inflation continued to rise, with the coin becoming more symbolic than practical for high-value transactions.
The follis’s role as a bronze currency in the late Roman Empire was significant for several reasons. It facilitated local trade and smaller-scale commerce, but as inflation worsened, the follis became increasingly debased. By the early 4th century AD, the coin was often produced in very low-quality metals, losing much of its original value. Nevertheless, it remained a central part of the Roman economy throughout the Tetrarchy (the rule of Diocletian and his successors), and later into the reigns of emperors like Constantine the Great. Constantine eventually reformed the coinage further, leading to the introduction of the solidus, a gold coin that would eventually replace the follis as the dominant currency for more significant transactions, though the follis continued to be used in various forms for several more centuries.
 Constantine II, as Caesar Antioch 317-337 CE Æ Follis 16mm, 1,45g CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C Laureate and curiassed bust right. Rev. GLORIA EXERCITVS Two soldiers standing facing one another, each holding reversed spear and resting hand on shield set on ground; between them, standard; SMANS in exergue |
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