Hi. Not only this coin has a strange shape, but it also has the figure of a vase instead of an Emperor on its reverse. What meaning could that hold? I appreciate your comments. Thanks. Charles
this is only a partial coin. the image is not a vase. that is the head. The cross on the top is the top of a crown, what look like handles is actually curls of hair. the only facial details visible are the right eye and eye brow.
As ziggy9 says, the cross is on top of a crown something like this coin (this is NOT your coin, just an example). http://wildwinds.com/coins/byz/tiberius_III/sb1395.jpg
Because of the general appearance and irregular shape this will more likely be an Arab-Byzantine issue than an official Byzantine issue.
I suppose it could be one of the early, pseudo-Byzantine issues. I still think it's just a crude official strike.
Its tough to say either way. I believe there is a continuum of issues during this time, from good official issues, to crude official issues, to local imitations, to early Arab-Byzantine. The only thing really crude about this piece is the lettering for the mint, the style of the portrait and the M is actually pretty good, (if poorly struck).
I agree there is a continuum in these issues, without sharply defined borders. Based on the portrait side i would agree with a bona fide official issue. It is the reverese which makes me suggest an (early) pseudo-Byzantine issue. I would grade the M lower than "pretty good". The lettering is crude, but that is seen on the official issues also. However, i don't seean officina letter i would expect below the M. Also there is ample of space for the year number to the right of the M. I only see a I spaced very close to the M. For me this doesn't feel right for a year I coin. But please do not take my word as the gospel, it's just an opinion.
