Odd Basilika SBCV 2528

[glebe]

Below are three examples of the basilikon SBCV 2528 of John V and John VI.

I have in my files 12 examples of this type. The first nine (in time) ranged in weight from 0.80 to 1.03 gm. The most recent three to appear (the ones shown here) are somewhat odd in that all of them are from the same new pair of dies, and all are significantly heavier than the first nine, with weights from 1.15 to 1.24 gm.

The problem is that in recent years there have been a large number of fake late period basilika on the market, although it must be said that the coins here are of quite different general appearance to the fakes, and there is hence no specific reason to condemn them.

Nonetheless it will be interesting to see whether any more examples from these dies appear on the market in the future.

Ross G.

[Obryzum]

Hmmm.  I am no specialist in these types, but these look odd to me.  What is the iconography supposed to be?  Christ enthroned in glory?  There is no throne, and it is unclear to me whether the figure of Christ is sitting or standing.  The diamond shaped aureole that expands outside the border -- I do not recall seeing that on a coin before.  And the U shaped beard and big lips do not seem consistent with the iconography of Christ on other Paleologan coins.  Count me open minded but skeptical.

[glebe]

Christ standing in a mandorla (similar to the aureole) is known from late bronze coins like S.2560 of Manuel II and S.2568 of John VIII (see below).
.
The style of the basilikon S.2528 is certainly rustic, and probably indicates a mint other than Constantinople.

Christ in an aureole is also known from a rare coin of the Despots of the Morea in the name of Manuel II (bottom coin), although the style is not that of the basilika here.

Ross G.