I recently decided to jump into the world of Byzantines. I saw a small lot for sale at a reasonable price and decided to purchase them. All had minor attribution but 1 so thanks to wildwinds I think I have been able to attribute these correctly. Only one I cant figure out is the last one. If I am wrong on any then please let me know! Constantine X (1059 - 1067 A.D.) Æ FOLLIS O: +EMMA_NOVHA Christ standing facing on footstool, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels. IC XC across field R: EVDKARO +KWNTAK On left, Eudocia standing facing, wearing modified loros with kite-shaped lower panel and crown with cross and pendilia; on right, Constantine standing facing, wearing modified loros and crown with cross and pendilia, both holding labarum with cross-piece on shaft between them, standing on base and three steps, and each places one hand on heart Constantinople 6.1g 26mm DOC 8; SB 1853 Overstruck CONSTANTINE V (741 - 775 A.D.) AE Follis O: Two half-length figures facing, Constantine V on left, bearded, Leo IV on right, beardless, each wearing chlamys and crown with cross, holding in right hand akakia. Between heads, cross. To left, ; To right, /// R: Half-length figure of Leo III facing, bearded, wearing chlamys and crown with cross, holding in right hand, cross potent on base. To left, ///; To right, /// Syracuse 2.3g 19mm S.1569 Alexius I (1081 - 1118 A.D.) AE Tetarteron O: Patriarchal cross on two steps, A-D, K-F to left and right, above and below. R: ALEZI, crowned bust of Alexius facing, wearing loros, holding jewelled sceptre and cross on globe. 1g 10mm SB1932 BMC 61*but*with a 'mirror image' reverse JUSTINIAN I (527 - 565) A.D. AE DECANUMMIUM Obv.*DNIVSTINI ANVSPPAVC;*Helmetted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield; to right, cross. Rev.*Large I surmounted by cross, to left, A/N/N/O; to right, X / X / U; in ex., thЄΠ/. 3.1g 17mm Sear 327 unknown R: Large K 10mm 1.7g
A new frontier Mat. Now you are in for it; a 1000 years of more coins to figure out. I know you will have fun with this. I am still learning Romans 500 BC to 400 AD.
It's a nice set indeed. On the last one I'm going to venture Anastasius I, half follis, or 20 nummus, but I'm probably wrong with a capital W. I'm not sure there's enough detail left on the coin to make an accurate attribution.
I have never been able to get into these (Byzantine, that is), but these look like decent enough coins for the era. :thumb:
I think your right that it is Anastasius I but not sure the denomination, whats throwing me off is my coins weight with others with the same K. Some are large and some are reduced. The hazy obverse matches some of the busts I see.
Yes, the K has to be a half follis. The first 150 years or so are pretty easy for denominations for these, and after that they are all Follis for a couple of hundred more years. I love the Syracuse coin. I love how they are always distinctive.
Neat lot Mat, congrtas. I like that Constantine X allot. I've neglected my Byzantine collection, and just havent felt the urge to add anymore
The K makes it a half follis regardless of weight but I agree that under two grams is very low for Anastasius, so probably Justinian I? Byzantine AEs can be a tough, tough nut to crack. Ugly as all **** and with nonsense legends but still weirdly addictive Ras
Me too. Last Byzantine type of things I have added were a large group of Arab Byzantine and some silver Bulgarian imitatives. For some reason I haven't been on a Byzantine kick lately.
I have no idea about that last one but see no possibility that it is as early as Anastasius or Justinian and be only 10mm. Mat's suggestion is a 17mm coin which strikes me as small enough for that period. My Justinian K coins are 20mm, 8.1g and 8.7g which seems right considering the size of the M folles. To get down to 10mm and 1.7 g I'd start looking in ther era of Constans II. I'm no Byzantine expert so the above is just my guess.
I'm sorry, but I've been waiting for someone else to post one of their Byz-coins, but apparently I'm gonna have to make a pig of myself!! (I only have a couple) .... ooooowwwwww ... thanks, that feels better!! (*phew*)
First is an Arab-Byzantine (Great Coin, but not Byzantine... an Arab-Copy)... Second is a great Justinian!
Byzantine Empire, Sassanian occupation of Egypt Æ 12 Nummi / Khusro II Date: Circa 618-628 AD Measure: 19.66 mm Weight: 8.26 grams Obverse: Cuirassed bust of Khusro facing, wearing crown with simple cross, star to left, C to right Reverse: Cross on globe between I-B, AΛEΣ in exergue Attribution: DOC 191; SB 855 Grade: Extremely Fine Notes: A very nice example of this scarcer type