ewomack Posted February 10 · Member Share Posted February 10 Bronze Constans II coins in which the portrait and surface features appear even somewhat well defined seem relatively uncommon. His thick, flowing beard and sometimes rather muppet-like appearance have their own appeal, but they often vanish into the field as worn indistinguishable blobs. The coin below is, believe it or not, the best bronze Constans II coin that I've yet come across within my reach. One can at least make out the emperor for the most part and the globus cruciger really stands out. The letters all remain fairly legible as well. In hand, the coin reveals different details in different shades of light, especially on the lower chlamys. Perhaps I have some kind of aesthetic disease, but I absolutely love the ugly beauty of Byzantine coins like this one. For me, even the grossly irregular flan adds interest. Constans II (641-668), Æ Follis / 40 Nummi, Syracuse, 652-3, Æ, 23-27mm 6g; Obv: Constans standing facing, wearing crown and chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand; I/H/Δ to l., I/A to right; Rev: Large M; cross above; SCL. MIB 208; DOC 179; Sear 1108 History hasn't paid Constans II too much attention overall, but he managed to rule for 27 years despite a very rapid Muslim expansion, lost territory, and other uprisings. He relocated the Empire's capital to Syracuse on Sicily and carried on the Heraclian dynasty until, according to Sayles, a servant killed him in his bath with a soap dish. Based on his coins, one can only imagine how wonderful a beard he must have possessed. Please post your amazingly bearded Constans II coins! 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jims,Coins Posted February 10 · Member Share Posted February 10 (edited) Minted at Syracuse during the reign of Constans II between September 641 - 15 July 668. Obv. No Legend. Constans (on l.), with long beard, and Constantine IV (on r.), beardless, stg. facing, each wearing crown; Constans wears military attire, and holds long cross; his son wears chlamys and holds gl.cr. Rev. Large M; above, Monogram 35; in ex., SCL; to l., Heraclius, beardless, stg. facing, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding gl. cr.; to r., similar figure of Tiberius. BCVS #1110 Edited February 10 by Jims,Coins 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quant.geek Posted February 10 · Member Share Posted February 10 (edited) Good ol' father time...Both coins are lovely! Byzantine Empire: Constans II (641-668) Æ Half Follis, Syracuse (Sear 1113; DOC II.183; MIB 212; Anastasi 118; Berk 699) Obv: Crowned facing bust with long beard, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger; cross surmounted by palm frond to right Rev: Large Kω monogram; A/N and I across field Edited February 10 by quant.geek 10 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marsyas Mike Posted February 11 · Member Share Posted February 11 I have a couple of Syracuse issues for Constans II - I found them somewhat difficult to attribute, but I like their look - crude, but appealing: 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Simon Posted February 15 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted February 15 Another to add, not really my time period but I thought this coin would be an excellent addition to my best of Byzantine collection. A mish mash of well struck coins. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Simon Posted February 18 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted February 18 One more. Got it from Nomo Oct 2021 Constans II, with Constantine IV, 641-668. Follis (Bronze, 23.5 mm, 4.06 g, 6 h), Syracuse. Constans on left, resting right hand on hip and holding long staff in left, and Constantine IV, on right, holding globus cruciger in right hand, standing facing. Rev. SCL Large M; monogram above. Anastasi 157. DOC 180. MIB 209. SB 1109. A wonderful example, well struck and with an attractive brown patina. Good very fine. 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Severus Alexander Posted February 18 · Supporter Share Posted February 18 That's a great one, @ewomack! I have a pretty good beard on this Sicilian follis: With a little imagination, you can see his beard as extending all the way to his knees, tucked through his belt. 😁 But my best beard is on a solidus: (I need to take my own photo of this coin.) 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Simon Posted February 19 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted February 19 1 hour ago, Severus Alexander said: @ewomack! But my best beard is on a solidus: (I need to take my own photo of this coin.) Great Coin @Severus Alexander 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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