An interesting Arab-Byzantine fals - countermark? - need help with ID

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by robinjojo, Jul 16, 2024.

  1. robinjojo

    robinjojo Well-Known Member

    I purchased this small late 7th century AD imitation of the standing follis of Constans II a couple of months ago, and just got around to photographing it today.

    There's terribly unusual about the obverse, pretty much patterned after other standing emperor imitations that I have seen. However, on the reverse there appears to be a symbol or figure under the M which is either a countermark or part of the die. As far as I can determine this design looks like a seated figure with a chi rho above, but that is just a guess. There's also another larger chi rho above the M.

    If anyone can shed more light on this as well as the mint, I appreciate the help.

    Thanks!

    Arab-Byzantine, AE fals Imitating Constans II, late 7th century AD.

    3.84 grams

    D-Camera Arab-Byzantine Fals, Imitating Constans II late 7th cen mark-symbol 3.84g 7-16-24.jpg
     
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  3. robinjojo

    robinjojo Well-Known Member

    Here's an update:

    This is an issue of Dimashq (Damascus), c. 670s-690. The symbol under the M is a star that is partly obscured by a die chip. The blundered Arabic legend around reads jaza hadha Dimashq wafiyat ("lawful this [fals in] Damascus true [weight]"). SICA-1, 564 (Goodwin type VI); Album 3517.3 (R).
     
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