Coins of Constans II (SB 1109) are usually overstruck on earlier coins and a bit of a mess from undertype showing. This was overstruck (there are a few lines from the earlier use) but it is mostly just the last use that shows. I generally like overstrikes but found this one interesting because it was hit so hard that it really spread out the flan producing huge edge cracks. While well worn, it shows a clear monogram of Constans on the reverse and the SCL mint mark for Sicily/Syracuse. The small figure is Constantine IV but there is no explanatory legend other than the monogram. The problem now is I need another SB1109 but this time a really messy one with at least two different undertypes. Post 'em if you got 'em.
Neat coin, Doug. I just have this one. Don't think it's overstruck. Constans II (641 - 668 A.D.) Æ Follis O:ENTOTO NIKA Contans, long beard (noted on r side of face), standing facing, wearing crown and chlamys, holding long cross In left hand, globus cruciger in right. R: Large M between ANO and NEOG or similar, star above. In exergue, a officina followed by numerals representing the regnal year, off-flan. 21mm 5.4g Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 641 - 645 A.D.
my only constans ii, but one of my first byzatine coins.... Constans II, 641-668 AD AE follis, 25 mm, 5.0g, Constantinople mint, Sear 1005
My Sear Byzantine 1109 of Constans II is one of those hard-to-decipher overstrikes with signs of three strikes on the obverse. The last strike show two emperors standing side by side, with the smaller on the right. The corresponding reverse is clear, so it is Sear 1109 from SCL (Sicily). But, on the obverse it is easy to see a much larger head (top at 12:30) of an undertype, DO 178, SB1007, and also at 10:00 the SCL of the reverse of a previous strike, possibly also DO 178, SB1007, or maybe this same type, SB 1109, but the reverse (as a flip strike) and perhaps the right vertical of the M (at 7:00 to 9:00 in this orientation). Byzantine copper is usually struck with 6:00 die-axis, so if you can see part of an undertype on one side, rotate it to 6:00 and look for signs of the corresponding undertype on the other side. With this reverse there is not much to see except the + above the monogram which does not belong there. I do not know why Constans II overstruck his own types (these differ in Sear by only two numbers). Perhaps it is because the earlier was as sole emperor and when he elevated Constantine IV (654) it was decided a new obverse with both emperors should replace the single-emperor obverses.
These coins are beautiful, but part of me can't help but notice how much the artistic detail, the care for flan preparation, and strike quality degraded from the 5th century onwards in comparison to Greek and earlier Roman coinage. PS: I just realized this is my 1000th post. Yay!
It's funny to think how the native Romans reacted to such an odd looking coin. Probably just a *meh-shrug* and spent it on their next gladiator match admission.
Cool OP-addition, Mentor ... I really like your coin's smashed & heavy-hammer look (congrats) Sadly, I don't have a Constans-II example ... ummm, but I do have a couple of overstruck examples from around this time period (you've seen them before, but here they are again for more viewing pleasure) HERACLIUS Overstruck on Anastasius follis 622 AD HERACLIUS Overstruck on Justin I follis 610-641 AD => SCLs, baby!! (Syracuse rocks!!)
Very nice Doug. I was torn on whether or not to bid on that coin, but eventually passed on it. I was already committed on several other coins and hence it had nothing to do with the coin. I am so glad you picked it up Here is one of my Constans II (SB 1110): Byzantine Empire: Constans II & Contantine IV (641-668) Nummi, Syracuse (Sear-1110) Obv: Constans, holding long cross with right hand, and Constantine IV, both crowned, standing facing Rev: Large M; to the left, crowned figure of Heraclius standing facing, monogram above; to right, crowned figure of Tiberius standing facing; SCL in exergue This coin has been overstruck as you can see Constans & Constantine poking their faces on the reverse edge :-D
I'm missing most from that era, but it's a very cool coin type....and I'm sure I'll grab one or two eventually....
I bought this Sicilian Constans II overstrike because of the nice portrait. Don't know what the first coin was, but you can see the cross on the crown on the reverse: the third pic has been rotated in the right way for the first die to show.
My first thought is that this has been overstruck twice. The first was older, perhaps as far back as Tiberius II which was cut down before used here. I'm not seeing the second but suggest you look at coins of Heraclius (mostly because he overstruck amny coins) and hope for inspiration. Good luck.
