Model: DOCII Constans II 70-74, pp. 450-451 (Constantinople, Follis Class 5(b), dated AD 652-656)
Comparanda
SICA1 526, 527, p. 79, pl. 37, Pseudo-Byzantine Type F
Description
This is an Arab-Byzantine imitation of follis of Constans II: irregular flan; schematic rendering of figure on obverse; blundered inscription on reverse.
Preservation comment
Wear: F. Broken (clipped?) on two sides and irregular remain margin give amorphous shape; nickedd edges; extensive, slight pitting and scratching to gouging. Small patches of white film from bronze disease on both faces.
Published as
KenchreaiIII, pp. 75, 91, no. 1166 (R. Hohlfelder identified as “Uncertain, Seventh Century Follis … (possible Arabic imitation)”)
Facing figure of bearded emperor, crowned, cloaked, and cuirassed(?), holding scepter cruciger in right hand and globus cruciger in left (irregular and schematic)
Obverse Inscription
Upper right, Ν
Reverse Inscription
Large Μ (broken lines and irregular serifs); above, ✶; [A]ON – O[ ]; below, Γ; in exergue, uncertain letter(s) or number(s)
“Co 818 (Early Islamic fals from Syria-Palestine).” In Kenchreai Archaeological Archive, edited by J.L. Rife and S. Heath. The American Excavations at Kenchreai, 2013-2023. <http://kenchreai.org/ke/co0818>