Hi all! Does anyone have any idea on what this Byzantine (?) coin may be? It is around 17mm in diameter and weighs 1.57g. I'm guessing from the style of the coin that it may be barbarous, but know nothing about these. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
@Harry G , is it cup shaped or even slightly cup shaped? That would help date it . The Obverse is the Virgin standing in orans, the reverse two rulers standing, without my books ( I am traveling ) I would look at joint rule post 1204.
This is an example of the mysterious coin Dochev Pl. LXI, 2 (Dochev published an example found at Turnovo). This type was discussed some time ago on the Forum site here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=31935.0 with no firm conclusion being reached. To my mind the design is very likely adapted from S.2516 of John V and Anna, which is probably an issue of Thessalonica in 1351-2, or perhaps a little later in 1354 after John's return to Constantinople. However the style and in particular the neat scyphate fabric suggests that this type is not the issue of an official mint (of Byzantium or Bulgaria). Bendall suggests it was an issue of the Asen brothers Alexius and Ivan who apparently took power in southern Thrace in 1356. Two more examples are attached. Ross G.
Woah, that's the one! Thanks for the info Interesting thread - I enjoyed reading that That's a stroke lol. Similar ones seem to be going for around £500. I paid just under £1 for mine in a group lot.
