Catalogo
| Emittente | Byzantine Empire |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1020-1028 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Follis (1⁄288) |
| Valuta | Second Solidus Nomisma (720-1092) |
| Composizione | Copper |
| Peso | 9.5 g |
| Diametro | 29 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | BCV#1818 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus cruciger, pallium and colobium, holding ornamented Gospels with both hands, IC to left, XC to right. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto |
+ЄMMANOVHΛ IC XC (Translation: ЄMMANOVHΛ : `God is with us` I(-HCOY-)C X(-PICTO-)C : `Jesus Christ`) |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Legend in four lines with ornaments above and below. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | |
| Legenda del rovescio |
+ IhSЧS XRISTЧS bASILЄЧ bASILЄ (Translation: `Jesus Christ, King of the Kings`.) |
| Bordo | Plain |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (1020-1028) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 7386918120 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context:This Follis, Anonymous Class A3, was struck during the late reign of Basil II (d. 1025) and Constantine VIII's rule (1025-1028). This era, part of the Macedonian dynasty, marked the zenith of Byzantine power following Basil II's military triumphs. The "anonymous" nature of these coins, omitting the emperor's name, underscored a theological emphasis on Christ as the true ruler, legitimizing the empire through divine mandate rather than individual imperial personality.
Artistry:Engravers for these anonymous issues remain unknown, typical of the period's standardized production. Stylistically, the coin adheres to the hieratic and rigid conventions of Byzantine religious art from the Macedonian era. The obverse features Christ Pantocrator enthroned, facing, with his right hand in benediction and holding the Gospels. The reverse typically bears a four-line inscription, "IS XS / BASILE / BASILE / BASILE", signifying "Jesus Christ, King of Kings".
Technical/Grading:As a copper issue, the Follis often presents production challenges. Key high-points for wear and strike quality on the obverse are Christ's face, hair, and shoulders. On the reverse, the top and bottom inscription lines are frequently weaker due to uneven striking pressure across the large 29mm flan. Collectors should anticipate common issues like off-centering, planchet irregularities, and surface corrosion impacting overall grade.