Log in or Sign up
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
Ancient Coins
>
Anonymous Æ Follis Class A2, Basil II and Constantine VIII...
>
Reply to Thread
Message:
<p>[QUOTE="ewomack, post: 26304681, member: 15588"]The quantity of metal used for this anonymous follis brings its weight to 20.02g. On average, the series has a weight of 15g. Yet this one also measures a few millimeters below the series' average size of 36mm (according to Sear). This is explained by the flan flaring out thickly to one side, almost to double width, which is visible on the reverse upper left. Though weak in places, the coin's obverse retains its general overall design, including fully legible "EMMANOVHA" and IC, XC characters. On the reverse, the letters have seen some wear but remain generally legible. In hand, this coin makes its chunky presence known through gravity alone. Anonymous Class A2 includes numerous varieties in the nimbus cross limbs and the top and bottom reverse "flourishes." Sommer lists and shows 12 in total (40.2.1 - 40.2.12). These types feel truly Byzantine, in that the emperors removed their own images and names from the coinage and replaced them with Christ Pantocrator, possibly to suggest who they felt was really in charge. Economics and iconography merge in this fascinating series. The iconoclasts, long gone by this era, would not have approved. In the end, as this coin shows, Byzantium embraced iconography, but not before the destruction of countless artworks and distracting politico-theological debates that impacted the empire for over a century. Human history never fails to shock and intrigue. The anonymous folles perfectly capture the spirit of their times.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1679396[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]1679397[/ATTACH]</p><p><i><font size="4">Basil II & Constantine VIII (976 - 1025); Æ Anonymous Follis, class A2; Obv: Nimbate (with two pellets in each limb of cross) bust of Christ facing, holding Book of Gospels, EMMANOVHA, IC to left, XC to right; Rev: "+IhSUS XRISTUS BASILEU BASILE" in 4 lines; 33mm, 20.02g, Sommer 40.2.4, Sear 1813</font></i>[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="ewomack, post: 26304681, member: 15588"]The quantity of metal used for this anonymous follis brings its weight to 20.02g. On average, the series has a weight of 15g. Yet this one also measures a few millimeters below the series' average size of 36mm (according to Sear). This is explained by the flan flaring out thickly to one side, almost to double width, which is visible on the reverse upper left. Though weak in places, the coin's obverse retains its general overall design, including fully legible "EMMANOVHA" and IC, XC characters. On the reverse, the letters have seen some wear but remain generally legible. In hand, this coin makes its chunky presence known through gravity alone. Anonymous Class A2 includes numerous varieties in the nimbus cross limbs and the top and bottom reverse "flourishes." Sommer lists and shows 12 in total (40.2.1 - 40.2.12). These types feel truly Byzantine, in that the emperors removed their own images and names from the coinage and replaced them with Christ Pantocrator, possibly to suggest who they felt was really in charge. Economics and iconography merge in this fascinating series. The iconoclasts, long gone by this era, would not have approved. In the end, as this coin shows, Byzantium embraced iconography, but not before the destruction of countless artworks and distracting politico-theological debates that impacted the empire for over a century. Human history never fails to shock and intrigue. The anonymous folles perfectly capture the spirit of their times. [ATTACH=full]1679396[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]1679397[/ATTACH] [I][SIZE=4]Basil II & Constantine VIII (976 - 1025); Æ Anonymous Follis, class A2; Obv: Nimbate (with two pellets in each limb of cross) bust of Christ facing, holding Book of Gospels, EMMANOVHA, IC to left, XC to right; Rev: "+IhSUS XRISTUS BASILEU BASILE" in 4 lines; 33mm, 20.02g, Sommer 40.2.4, Sear 1813[/SIZE][/I][/QUOTE]
Your name or email address:
Do you already have an account?
No, create an account now.
Yes, my password is:
Forgot your password?
Stay logged in
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
Ancient Coins
>
Anonymous Æ Follis Class A2, Basil II and Constantine VIII...
>
Home
Home
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Activity
Recent Posts
Forums
Forums
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Posts
Competitions
Competitions
Quick Links
Competition Index
Rules, Terms & Conditions
Gallery
Gallery
Quick Links
Search Media
New Media
Showcase
Showcase
Quick Links
Search Items
Most Active Members
New Items
Directory
Directory
Quick Links
Directory Home
New Listings
Members
Members
Quick Links
Notable Members
Current Visitors
Recent Activity
New Profile Posts
Sponsors
Menu
Search
Search titles only
Posted by Member:
Separate names with a comma.
Newer Than:
Search this thread only
Search this forum only
Display results as threads
Useful Searches
Recent Posts
More...