Constantine IV - Attribution verification

[ela126]

Just won this with a little bit of a bidding battle at Numismad today. (Seemed like there always are a few clever live bidders these days, not as many good unattributed pieces flying under the radar anymore) it was listed as ”unknown AE”. But the size at 9.23g and 28mm, along with the spear behind the head points right to the large module pieces from Constantine IV.

lack of legends doesn’t help but I think the key items are there.

I would think this is an SB 1179b, and would confidently say so if not for the presence of the retrograde N on the reverse, where I understand it usually is CO with N below. This is the mint mark for Constantinople of course.

Would I be within bounds to write 1179b on the ticket when I receive? Any thoughts are welcome, also feel free to share any Constantine IV pieces you may have.

[ewomack]

Hm. I don't think 1179b is a stretch, but I'm not sure what to make of the "CN," or whatever that is, on the reverse within the "K" that you pointed out. I haven't seen anything like that mentioned in the few catalogs I have (Sear & Sommer). It doesn't look like a "CO/N," unless it's blundered in some way. So, unless others more knowledgeable than me (i.e., most people) know more, I don't think 1179 or 1179b seem too off. I don't know enough about contemporary imitations to comment on whether it could be one of those, but they often have interesting letters similar to what's shown on the reverse.

I have only a single Constantine IV, the one I bought in person at Harlan Berk's office about a year and a half ago. This coin always conjures up memories of that trip. I recommend the experience to anyone.

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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; Sear 1207

Edited December 28, 2024 by ewomack

[ela126]

5 hours ago, ewomack said:

Hm. I don't think 1179b is a stretch, but I'm not sure what to make of the "CN," or whatever that is, on the reverse within the "K" that you pointed out. I haven't seen anything like that mentioned in the few catalogs I have (Sear & Sommer). It doesn't look like a "CO/N," unless it's blundered in some way. So, unless others more knowledgeable than me (i.e., most people) know more, I don't think 1179 or 1179b seem too off. I don't know enough about contemporary imitations to comment on whether it could be one of those, but they often have interesting letters similar to what's shown on the reverse.

I have only a single Constantine IV, the one I bought in person at Harlan Berk's office about a year and a half ago. This coin always conjures up memories of that trip. I recommend the experience to anyone.

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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; Sear 1207

I must give your coin and the Sicilian mint credit, I think they continued the superior efforts and skill from Constan II’s reign into C4’s.  Quite a nice portrait on your piece. I believe there are a good handful of Solidi that share the same pose, and especially the eyes.

 

 

[Bannerknight]

I agree with @ewomack, it certainly looks like a SB 1179B. The retrograde N is intriguing, but my guess would be that it is simply an unlisted variant. An interesting coin!

Edited December 29, 2024 by Bannerknight

[Bannerknight]

The only coin I have of Constantine IV Pogonatus (the bearded) is a solidus. The portrait is a bit worn, but I fell for the helmet with impressive feathers!

Constantine IV Pogonatus, AD 668-685. AV solidus (4,38 g). SB 1157, DOC 12A

Constantinople mint, struck AD 681-685. Obverse: Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Constantine IV facing slightly to right, bearded, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with cavalryman on horseback /  P CONST-NAЧS PP A (S, Ч, S and A retrograde). Reverse: Cross potent set upon on base and three steps / VICTORA-AVGЧ Γ // CONOB. Flan slightly bent and with a few tiny scrapes. Some remaining luster.

Ex. Leu Numismatik, web auction 17, August 2021, lot 3147. Ex. Oslo Myntgalleri, auction 34, May 2023.

Below is the description in Sear.