Unusual Constantine X follis

[dougsmit]

I am not a Byzantine specialist so I need help understanding this Constantine X coin (SB 1854) that strikes me as unusual compared to others I have seen of the period.  I bought it at the Baltimore show this weekend and was attracted to it by its unusual flan which appears to be cut down from a larger coin.  It is considerably thicker than most coins of the era and, at 15.60g, weighs more than I would expect despite the apparent attempt to adjust the flan.  Many coins of the period were overstruck on earlier flans but this does not look like any I have seen in online photos and I can not decipher any undertype.

I would appreciate comments or explanations of why this coin is ordinary or odd.

[Obryzum]

The coin looks like a nicely struck specimen, and as you say there appears to be no overstrike.  This does not appear to be an imitation. 

[wileyc]

Doug

I agree thats a unusual size for this coin. Typically I see them around 6-9 g. I have one that is just short of 12g. Curious as to the size of the die strike.

cw

[Obryzum]

DOC lists two specimens of the Class 1 follis (with full length Christ) greater than 15g.  The next largest specimen is about 12g.  For the Class 2 follis (with the bust) the heaviest in DOC is just shy of 12g.  So for Class 2, this is a giant.

[dougsmit]

I really would like to know what this flan was before it was cut.  It is thicker than a Justinian follis.  It could be a sestertius (judging only from the thickness).