Nomos AG
obolos 15 24 May 2020
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ISLAMIC, Time of the Rashidun. Pseudo-Byzantine types. AH 15/16-23/4 = AD 637-643. Fals (Bronze, 27.5 mm, 7.05 g, 7 h), imitating a 'Cyprus follis', uncertain mint in Syria (or Cyprus). Three crowned byzantine style imperial figures, standing facing, each holding globus cruciger. Rev. A/N/N/O - X/Ч/II / KYΠP Large M with plain cross above; below, Γ. Album 3561. Pottier & Schulze Class 1, 1a. Same obverse die as Album 19, (2014), 289. Scarce early variety; struck in a very broad flan with attractive brown surfaces. Good very fine.
The very early imitations, which are very close to the official Byzantine issues struck in an unknown mint of Cyprus (DOC 184a. SB 849), were possibly also struck in Cyprus, just after the Arab occupation, instead of an unknown mint in Syria. The easiest way to distinguish an official Byzantine issue from an early Arab imitation is the presence of Empress Martina's crown (on the left figure).
The very early imitations, which are very close to the official Byzantine issues struck in an unknown mint of Cyprus (DOC 184a. SB 849), were possibly also struck in Cyprus, just after the Arab occupation, instead of an unknown mint in Syria. The easiest way to distinguish an official Byzantine issue from an early Arab imitation is the presence of Empress Martina's crown (on the left figure).