ewomack Posted June 26, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted June 26, 2023 (edited) While visiting Chicago last week, I stopped into the Harlan Berk shop downtown and bought the Constantine IV Follis below in person. A long time has passed since I bought something directly "over the counter" like that. They sent me to the Ancient Coins department and they did a little searching for the piece, but in about 15 minutes they brought it to me in a room lined with books on ancient coins and antiquities. The office itself proved quite an experience. On the table sat a small chest of $20 cheapies that we rummaged through while waiting. That box had some decent stuff in it for the price. As for the Follis, I like the obverse, but the reverse doesn't look too appealing. So it goes with many Byzantines: you take what you can get. But, they also gave me a break on the price, so it ended up being a memorable trip all around. I highly recommend the experience. The only downside is that it missed the Byzantine portrait thread. Maybe next time? Constantine IV Pogonatus (668 - 685), with Heraclius and Tiberius, Æ Follis (20mm, 4.38 g). Syracuse mint; Obv: No legend, Crowned and cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger; Rev: Large M, flanked by Heraclius and Tiberius standing facing; TKW monogram above, [SC]L in exergue; MIB 104; SB 1207 Edited June 26, 2023 by ewomack 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nerosmyfavorite68 Posted June 27, 2023 · Member Share Posted June 27, 2023 That's a nice pickup. 1999 is the last time that I was able to visit HJB HQ. I remember three tiers of pick bins during that era. It's always fun to go through pick bins. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted June 27, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted June 27, 2023 Nice Constantine IV. I agree that with Byzantines it's pretty much hit and miss on portraiture most of the time. As a civilization they had different priorities than realistic busts, and symbolism played a much bigger role. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ewomack Posted June 28, 2023 · Supporter Author Share Posted June 28, 2023 19 hours ago, Ancient Coin Hunter said: Nice Constantine IV. I agree that with Byzantines it's pretty much hit and miss on portraiture most of the time. As a civilization they had different priorities than realistic busts, and symbolism played a much bigger role. Yes, that is exactly why Byzantine coins appeal to me. I love the abstraction and the sometimes even cartoony depictions of people on the coins. One of my favorites remains the Constans II portraits. It's definitely a slightly different taste, but it fits with mine. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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