Hi, all. This is a hard one. I have grouped it with the
Islamic weights because it fits in the general shape and
weight of
Holland's "discoid series-1/2 dinar" at 2.05 grams, but could just as easily be a 1/2
nomisma, Roman/Byzantine/Greek
weight, though the shape and material (bronze) would be unusual. I am seeing what looks to me to be a bird in the punch-mark, though this is far from certain. I did find a reference to a roughly rectangular Roman/Byzantine 1
nomisma weight in lead, on the Pondera site, pictured below, but it is only vaguely similar to this one. Any ideas or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks, Jimi
Islamic? Bronze
WeightCaesarea Maritima 1/2 Dinar
7th -12th Century CE
Obv: Bird? or other figure with circular
border in
incuse circular punch mark. Rev: Blank.
Roughly circular flattened barrel shaped (discoid)
bronze
weight in the form of two truncated cones
set base to base. File marks on edges.
Dia: 9.1 x 8.25mm. Ht: 4.5mm. Wt: 2.05gm.
Similar in size to
Holland, "
ANSMN 31 (1986)" #191.
No parallels in
Holland W.W.O.C.M. chapter 8.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1970's
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection(click for larger pic)
