1. A small bronze coin used in the Byzantine Empire and other medieval Mediterranean regions.
Usage: historical; numismatics
2. In ancient Rome, a leather bag or purse used to carry money.
Usage: archaic; historical

Examples

• Archaeologists discovered a hoard of follis coins from the 6th century.
• The Byzantine follis was a common medium of exchange in trade.
• Medieval merchants often carried their coins in a follis.
• The follis gradually fell out of use as larger denominations became more practical.
• Numismatists study follis specimens to understand ancient economic systems.