TYPE Byzantine Empire, Justin I and Justinian I joint reign (Apr. - Aug. 527 AD), bronze follis, Nikomedia mint DESCRIPTION . Obv: Diademed emperor's bust to right, Latin legend DNINIVSTI ... IVSTNS (partially double-struck) Rev: Denomination (M = 40 nummi), crosses above and to sides, officina "beta" and mintmark NIKM at the botom REFERENCE: SB 128v GRADING: F+, green patina, scarce ORDER INFO: B1760, $118 The formal elevation of Justinian, the able nephew of Justin I, to the rank of co-emperor, ensured a smooth succession, and produced scarce joint issues during the few months prior to Justin's death.