May 28, 2001, The Fairchild Family Trust Collection, Sale 10

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Ancient Coins

Byzantine Coins

Lot 2771
Justinian I, 527-565 AD. Gold Solidus (4.5 g), Constaninople mint. Helmeted, diademed, and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield. Reverse: Angel facing, holding Chi-Rho staff and globus cruciger. SBC 140. And a similar solidus of Justin II (565-578 AD.), Constantinople mint (4.5 g): Justin holding Victory instead of globus cruciger. Reverse: Constantinopolis enthroned frontal, head right, holding spear and globus cruciger. SBC 345. First coin, flan a little bent. Lot of 2 coins. Coins grade from Fine to Very Fine.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 2772 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
Justin II, 565-578 AD. Gold Solidus (4.5 g), Constaninople mint. Helmeted, diademed, and cuirassed bust facing, holding Victory and shield. Reverse: Constantinopolis enthroned frontal, head right, holding spear and globus cruciger; officina Th. SBC 345. Sharply struck, and fully lustrous. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200-250.

A Choice and Rare Lightweight Solidus of Tiberius II

Lot 2773 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
Tiberius II, 578-582 AD. Lightweight Gold Solidus (4.1 g), Theoupolis (Antioch) mint. Crowned and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield. Reverse: Cross potent on four steps; in exergue, O, B, cross, and star; officina ThS. D.O.C. 38; BMC 9; Tolstoi 12, 12a; MIB (Hahn) 5; Adelson 80-87; SBC 446. The lower face a trifle softly struck, but with much residual luster in fields. This issue tends to have a more satiny luster, rather than the glossy luster of the Constantinople issues. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $500-UP.
Authorities are divided as to whether the mint should be assigned to Constantinople or Antioch. Nevertheless, the coins remain very rare, with perhaps a dozen known specimens. This one acquired by the consignor over 35 years ago. Important and not to be missed.

Lot 2774 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
Romanus III, 1028-1034. Gold Histamenon Nomisma (4.4 g), Constantinople mint. Christ enthroned facing, holding Gospels. Reverse: Romanus and the Virgin stand facing, while she crowns him at left. SBC 1819; D.O.C. 1b-d. Small die break at obverse edge. Nicely struck and lustrous. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 2775 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
Constantine IX, 1042-1055. Gold Tetarteron (4.0 gr). Bust of Christ facing, raising right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels. Reverse: Bust of the emperor facing, bearded, wearing crown and holding sceptre and globe. Sear 1832. Extremely Fine. Rare, particularly this choice.
Estimated Value $600-700.

Lot 2776 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
Michael VII, 1071-1078 AD. Electrum Histamenon Nomisma (4.4 g). Nimbate bust of Christ facing, holding Gospels with star pattern on cover. Reverse: Facing bust of Michael, holding labarum and globus cruciger. SBC 1868 var. With reddish brown toning. About Very Fine.
Estimated Value $125-150.

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