Ancients
Maurice Tiberius (AD 582-602). AV lightweight solidus of 23 siliquae (4.25 gm). NGC AU 4/5 – 3/5, brushed. Constantinople, 4th officina, AD 584-602. Pearl-diademed, helmeted, draped, and cuirassed bust of Maurice facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand, shield with horseman motif on left arm, star in right field / Angel standing facing, holding long staff terminating in staurogram and globus cruciger, star in right field; Δ//CONOB. Sear 481. DOC 7d. MIB 11. Rare.
This very odd lightweight solidus is apparently intended to be tariffed at 23 siliquae as opposed to a normal solidus of 24 siliquae. The different in weight is only about .15 of a gram and it is likely the coins would easily pass as the heavier denomination. The only indication of a different denomination is the presence of a star in the obverse field to the right of the imperial bust.
Ex Ruby Collection (Superior Galleries, June 1974), lot 71.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 400-500 USD