I have enjoyed the search for its identity for many years without success.I purchased it in a bulk lot of unidentified Byzantine and Islamic coins. Any help would be appreciated. It is AE 16mm. The planchet is very thin.
I know this isn't it, but the reverse first reminds me of pieces of eight (it almost looks like an 8 right??) or a ligatured monogram of Castile and Leon. Kingdom of Castile & Leon Philip II (Felipe II) of Spain, ruled 1556 – 1582 AD Æ/BL Blanca (1/2 maravedi), Cuenca mint, 1556-1576 Obverse: Crowned monogram of king (PHIL sharing elements, VS entwined); in left field, patriarchal cross; in right field, chalice with star above; all within dotted circle. Reverse: Three towered castle; [in left field, unknown element]; in right field C (Cuenca mint mark). Assayer – Pedro Román. References: Cayón 3292 (Cuenca mint, con cruz patriarcal a izquierda)
..the obverse reminds me of an barbarous Byzantine and the reverse a Indian ancient or Spanish, along the lines of what @Justin Lee has...
Your coin is from medieval Bulgaria, similar to Moushmov 7462 (your monogram is a bit different, see here). Moushmov attributes it to Ivan Asen II (1218–1241). Here are an image of the plate coin and Moushmov's description: "Obv: In the middle of the coin is a long vertical line, w above; I (?) and a to left; traces of μρ to left. On the right side of the vertical line, next to the letter a is the letter c, and next to it – ligature of μ ρ, erased letter H(?) above, and a sign beneath end of the central line abd which is coiling around the main line, and which together maybe means ћ and л? All means IwaHъ ACћHъ μаρъ. (Monogram 84). Rev. : Bust of Christ facing, IC – XC to left and right. The coin is very thin; this coin is in the National Museum and is in section of uncertain Bulgarian coins." Altogether, that's quite a scarce medieval coin that I (but very few other people) get excited about. May I ask where you got it from?
Thank you. I think this coin is very similar and you are right.I purchased it from an old time dealer at least 15 years ago who would send me bulk lots of unidentified Roman,Greek ,Byzantine, Islamic, and India.He said he had intended to attribute them but his eyes gave out. I think he has since passed.
Just a shot in the dark here....but also check out Michael Mitchener's volumes on medieval oriental coinages.
I revisited MWI { always a nice experience). It had a few Bulgarian coins and neighbors but no match.The only other Mitchener books I have are related to jettons counters and tokens.Thanks for the suggestion.
The ones I refer to come in three volumes but they are rare. Only the major libraries are likely to have a set.
