"Upgrade" for Constans II and Possibly an Arab-Byzantine Imitation?

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by furryfrog02, Oct 26, 2020.

  1. furryfrog02

    furryfrog02 Well-Known Member

    Hello All,

    I've been away a for a bit after a 2 week timeout as well as being busy with work and life.

    I recently purchased a couple of coins listed as Constans II and they were a big upgrade from my ugly Constans II, even though most Constans II coins are pretty bad. Well, they arrived today and I was able to identify one easily enough but I am having trouble with the 2nd. I can't find a match anywhere. Then it hit me, perhaps this is a Arab-Byzantine imitation...

    Can anyone help either confirm/deny my theory and provide any resources you may have for Arab-Byzantine coinage. I haven't had much luck in my searches this evening.

    Ok, Without further ado:

    My first Constans II, purchased from a local coin show a year or so ago:
    Constans II Follis.jpg


    My first of 2 coins that came today:


    Constans II
    641-668 AD
    AE Follis
    Obverse: EN TVTO NIKA, Constans, beardless, crowned and wearing chlamys, standing facing, holding long cross and cross on globe
    Reverse: large m (lower case), ANA to left, nothing, cross or star above, NEOS to right, officina letter and I below
    Constans II, 641-668 AD, AE Follis.png

    And now....the coin in question:
    IMG-9465-removebg-preview.png
     
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  3. dltsrq

    dltsrq Grumpy Old Man

    Yes, the last is Arab pseudo-Byzantine, type E (standing emperor/ lower case 'm'), Album 3504.
     
  4. furryfrog02

    furryfrog02 Well-Known Member

    Last edited: Oct 26, 2020
    Broucheion, +VGO.DVCKS and Quant.Geek like this.
  5. dltsrq

    dltsrq Grumpy Old Man

    Yes, "Goodwin Class E". You can download Album's Checklist free at his website stevealbum.com.
     
  6. furryfrog02

    furryfrog02 Well-Known Member

    Thanks!
     
  7. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    It is hard to imagine a Constans II bronze that would not be a candidate to upgrade. I selected this one for the obverse legend.
    EN ToVTO NIKA
    rz0370bb0333.jpg
    I prefer the bearded style but mine is not mint state for sure.
    rz0390bb2177.jpg

    Welcome back.
     
  8. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

    I have a single Constans II (Sear 1105) I paid around $8 for.

    I’m very pleased with the quality; I think it would be difficult to find a better one for a reasonable price

    Obviously overstruck on “something” (flip said an earlier Syracuse follis)

    C2794374-0D02-4353-B18D-FF24B70442ED.jpeg
     
  9. Pellinore

    Pellinore Well-Known Member

    My Constans II, also a serious case of overstriking.

    3521 Constans II overstrike.jpg

    Syracuse, 650-652. Sear 1107.
     
  10. Orange Julius

    Orange Julius Well-Known Member

    Oooh... there's someone who knows something about these beau... well, interesting coins. ...and they are interesting coins everyone!

    I wanted an Arab-Byzantine to play with and learn about but... I just was getting nowhere with it and it's sat in my rainy day pile for years. I bought it for just a few dollars and it came labeled as only "Constans II? Arab-Byzantine 21.5mm, 2.14 grams." I'm hoping I can get some help confirming or further attributing the information. @dltsrq ? Thank you! (one dark photo that shows some detail better and looks more like in-hand, and one washed out one that... you can actually see.)
    ConstansIIUnattributed.JPG
    ConstansIIArab-Byzantine.JPG
     
    Edessa, Johndakerftw and furryfrog02 like this.
  11. dltsrq

    dltsrq Grumpy Old Man

    Yes, I think so. There are obvious errors, especially on the reverse. Goodwin class E.
     
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