Preview
Creation Date
655–656
Geography
Constantinople (Istanbul, Türkiye)
Culture
Byzantine
Medium
Copper
Dimensions
15 mm
0.08 oz. (2.38 g)
Credit Line
Gift of Brad Hostetler, 2022
Accession Number
2022.24
Condition
As of 9/26/2024: Metal on the obverse and reverse has darkened around inscriptions with time. There is slight green oxidization on the obverse. Details of obverse inscription are obscure, with letter inscription mostly illegible and face of figure difficult to identify. Most details of costume are not visible. Inscription on the reverse is in much better condition, although outer edge of inscription is cut off.
References
Grierson, Philip. 1968. Catalogue of the Byzantine Coins in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and in the Whittemore Collection, vol.2, Phocas to Theodosius III, 602-717. Washington, DC: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, no.75a, p.452
Description
The obverse of this follis depicts a full-length figure of Constans II (r.641–668), standing frontal and bearded. The emperor wears a crown topped with a cross and chlamys, or short cloak typical of the imperial costume. In his right hand, the emperor holds a long cross. In his left hand, the emperor holds a globus cruciger.
The reverse of this follis contains the denomination mark with a star above it. To the left of the denomination mark is the mark of the mint at Constantinople. On the right is the regnal year, and underneath the denomination mark is the mark of the workshop that produced the coin.
Sonia Suben 2025