TYPE Byzantine Empire, Justinian II (first reign, 685-695 AD), bronze follis, Syracuse mint (class 9), 5.78g DESCRIPTION . Obv: Facing emperor, holding long spear and gl. cr., plant in lower right field, all in circular border Rev: Denomination (M = 40 nummi), monogram above, Latin mintmark SCL below, Greek legend (mintmark) SYRA - KOYSI to sides REFERENCE: SB 1301, DO 61 var. GRADING: VF+, lightly porous dark green patina, rare type, unpublished variant ORDER INFO: B2605, $275 Choice grade for a rare and interesting type altogether. Attractive (if slightly porous) patina, no traces of overstriking and virtually all design on flan; nicer than either of the published D. Oaks specimens. Neat and nice obverse figure of emperor in helmet with cross and military attire, and highly unusual for this era Greek mint legend, spelling out the name of Syracuse in full. Unpublished variant with helmet with cross (rather than plumed; clearly visible) and circular (rather than reel) border