EARLY MEDIEVAL & ISLAMIC. Arab-Byzantine coinage. Pseudo-Byzantine type. Circa 660s. Bronze Fals (2.53g). Standing imperial figure, holding long cruciform sceptre and globus cruciger / Large M; cross above, [A]/N/N/I to left, T/(E)/II to right, CON in exergue. Pottier et al., Pseudo-Byzantine Class IVb; A-3504. EF. Outstanding quality fals with wonderful deep dark brown patina, definitely among the finest for this very difficult issue. This fals belongs to the formative phase of early Islamic rule in former Byzantine lands, when familiar Christian imperial imagery was still retained to reassure a mixed population. Probably struck under Muawiya, before the full shift to purely epigraphic coinage, it is a powerful witness to transition, negotiated authority and coexistence between two worlds. From The Crescent Collection, previously purchased from Savoca coins (Germany) Auction301, Lot 408 Hammered US$300.

Estimate: AUD 500