Small Byzantine Bronze Coin - Need Help with ID

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by robinjojo, Jun 30, 2020.

  1. robinjojo

    robinjojo Well-Known Member

    Here is another coin from the large lot of Byzantine bronzes that I purchased recently.

    This is a very small coin, 1.2 grams weight, 11 mm wide. I believe it is a coin of Anastasius or Justinian I. There appears to be two portraits, one for sure on the obverse and what I believe is one on the reverse.

    Or, could this be a Roman coin of the 4th century AD?

    Any ideas?

    Thanks. D-Camera Byzantine , Small AE, 1.2 grams  Roma Large Lot, 6-30-20.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2020
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  3. svessien

    svessien Senior Member

    Hard to make out the reverse, but ACCORDING TO MY NEW SEAR, I would guess a decanummium by Justinian I.
     
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  4. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    Sure looks Roman versus Byzantine.
     
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  5. robinjojo

    robinjojo Well-Known Member

    Thank you.

    I was thinking along those lines, but the "I" is not at all clear on the reverse. The weight is below what would make it a decanummium (around 3 grams or more).
     
  6. svessien

    svessien Senior Member

    303B0EF9-8E86-41B7-87E8-7480B87A87D3.jpeg

    I was thinking about 271 here.
     
  7. furryfrog02

    furryfrog02 Well-Known Member

    That is Victory on the reverse instead of an "I". Definitely a LRB and not Byzantine.
     
  8. robinjojo

    robinjojo Well-Known Member

    Thanks

    Is that the small figure to the lower right?

    There appears to be a central figure facing right. I've rotated the coin, and this seems to be the most logical orientation. I cannot make out any design in any other position.

    The obverse is definitely in the late Roman style, but some of the very early Byzantine portraits are close to this style, before deteriorating.
     
  9. furryfrog02

    furryfrog02 Well-Known Member

    It could be Victory dragging a captive. Possibly SALVS REPVBLICAE reverse?
     
  10. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Something on the order of this:

    Arcadius Cyzicus AE-4.jpg
    Arcadius, AD 383-408
    Roman Æ half-centenionalis; 1.15 g, 14.2 mm
    Cyzicus, AD 388-392
    Obv: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust, right
    Rev: SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory advancing left, with right hand carrying trophy over shoulder and dragging captive with left; ⳨ in left field, SMKΓ in exergue
    Refs: RIC 26(c); LRBC 2578; RCV 20851.
     
  11. robinjojo

    robinjojo Well-Known Member

    Thanks

    I also came across this nummus of Valentinian II online:

    VALENTINIAN II. AE nummus. 364-375 AD. Siscia mint. VICTORIA AVGGG / BSIS

    VALENTINIAN II.
    AE nummus.
    364-375 AD. Siscia mint.
    Ovb/ Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG .
    Rev/ Victory advancing left with wreath and palm branch. VICTORIA AVGGG / BSIS
    Cat: RIC 39a.
    Bronze (Æ) 1,1g - 14mm

    [​IMG]

    The bust style seems close to my coin. The reverse on my coin is very crude, and determining the mint is tough.
     
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  12. furryfrog02

    furryfrog02 Well-Known Member

    Theodosius also had that type of reverse. Very common among the late Roman bronze coins.
     
  13. robinjojo

    robinjojo Well-Known Member

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