EARLY MEDIEVAL & ISLAMIC. BYZANTINE. Circa 5th?7th century. Bronze Uniface square bronze coin weight for 32 Nomismata (Half Byzantine Litra or or 4 Ounkia (143.34 g). Obverse with engraved and silver-inlaid monogram of I?(a)???? (John) flanked by two crosses above the inscription ?? (O).? Reverse blank. Cf. Bendall ?; MAH ?; Pera ?. Exceptionally rare. Possibly unique in this weight category for the type!. This impressive and unusually heavy bronze weight bears an engraved and silver-inlaid monogram of I?(A)???? (John), flanked by two crosses, positioned above the inscription ? (O). While the standard 9 Nomismata weight equivalent to 1/8 of a Byzantine pound typically weighs approximately 40.5 g, this specimen exceeds that by more than threefold, weighing an extraordinary 143.34 g. Such a significant weight difference suggests this piece was not intended to weigh 9 Nomismata coins individually but was likely a commercial or master weight, possibly used for larger quantities equivalent to roughly 32 Nomismata or about half a Byzantine litra (a principal Byzantine weight unit). The piece?s precise monogram and silver inlay demonstrate official sanctioning and high craftsmanship, indicating its role within Byzantine economic administration perhaps in a customs house, mint oversight, or trade regulation office. Silver inlay served not only decorative purposes but also as an anti-tampering measure, underscoring the weight?s authoritative status. Weights of this size and style are unpublished in major references (Bendall, MAH, Pera), underscoring the rarity and potential uniqueness of this specimen. It broadens our understanding of Byzantine weight standards and their application beyond the more commonly encountered smaller denominations. Cf; For a comparable piece, see Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 4 (25 May 2019), Lot 882 (weight: 40.54 g). Hammered CHF 420. While the Leu example represents a standard 9-nomismata weight, this significantly heavier piece?over three times the weight?clearly exceeds that denomination and likely corresponds to a weight of approximately 32?33 nomismata (based on the average nomisma standard of ~4.48 g). The similarity in design and inscription links it to the same administrative or official production, yet the rare high denomination inlay make this piece particularly notable. Extremely rare at this weight class and likely intended for large-scale bullion transactions or treasury use.

Estimate: AUD 1000