1/2 Siliqua Constantinople circa 527-565, AR 12.00 mm., 0.98 g.
Helmeted, draped, and cuirassed bust of Roma r. Rev. Large P. Cf. Bendall, Anonymous, type 7, 15 (for type); Kent, Urbs pl. 2, 29; Vagi 3039 (c. 330-346).
Attractive old cabinet tone and Good Very Fine.
Bendall dates his type 7 to circa 430, but the style and lower weight of the present coin suggests it was actually struck at a later time. A similar example is Bendall's type 8, which he breaks into two subtypes, 8a and 8b, struck circa 430 and 530, respectively. Bendall notes that the style of the latter were superior to the first, and weighed slightly less. Thus this coin may represent a similar reissue of Bendall's type 7 around the same time of the revival of his type 8.
Bendall dates his type 7 to circa 430, but the style and lower weight of the present coin suggests it was actually struck at a later time. A similar example is Bendall's type 8, which he breaks into two subtypes, 8a and 8b, struck circa 430 and 530, respectively. Bendall notes that the style of the latter were superior to the first, and weighed slightly less. Thus this coin may represent a similar reissue of Bendall's type 7 around the same time of the revival of his type 8.