I have been in the market for one of the Byzantine Anonymous Jesus Follii with a decent obverse Jesus. I am sure I did not pay too much... $24. I realize the coin is missing some pieces of the legend, obverse devices and part of the nimbate but the face of Jesus and the price are what sold me on the piece. This is also the second coin I have from the reign of this emperor. I would be thrilled to hear your guys opinions on the coin. Bronze Anonymous Follis, Class A1, 24 mm x 21 mm x 7.36 grams John I Tzimisces Constantinople mint, 969 - 976 A.D. Obv. EMMANOVHL, facing head of Christ, two pellets in each cross limb, Pallium and colobium, holding ornamented Gospels with both hands, to left IC, to right XC; Rev. + IhSuS / XRISTuS / bASILEu / bASILE (Jesus Christ Kingof Kings) Ref: SBCV1793
The small flan might make it less desirable but it is easily worth the price paid. The face is very nice. A1'a are half the weight of A2's but should not be considered defective since that is the standard of the day. Sear says many were overstruck on earlier coins but I don't see that on yours. I'd have bought it without hesitation.
I agree with Doug. No question I would have paid that for it. Put that on a full flan and they are $200 nowadays it seems.
Hey Noob => nice lookin' coin!! I'm pretty sure that Jesus would have approved of your decision to purchase this coin!! ($24 is a sweet price)
Well for $24, you can't afford not to buy the coin. I recently got a small follis of Constantine V, and it's the same deal: some of the design is off-flan. I think you just have to accept that with these coins...
