Constantine IV Decanummium - Sear 1183B?

[Pep]

Hello Everyone,

I want to know if I have the attribution right as Sear 1183B.  I don't see a cross at the top on the reverse, just the border.  Also, what's the story on the exergual line if there's no beneath it?  I couldn't find any other examples of 1183B online.

Measurements:  3.95g; 21.2mm; 195°

Thanks,

Kevin 

[irish]

It looks like Grierson 394, Constantine IV 668-85AD, Decanummium Class 1, Constantinople.   Obv Emperor facing with Gl. Cr. in right (Shield L?), Rx large I above empty exergue, cross to left R to right...Grierson says these may be the result of an inflationary reevaluation of the money due to Constantinople being under constant siege by the Arabs at the time, with these taking the literal value of the half folles...as many as seven variant forms of the decanummia during this time period have been noted, mostly delineated by the emperors bust, whether facing, or 3/4...hope this helps...b

[wileyc]

I think Pep has it right, being 1183b. That is a curious issue why they would have a exergue line yet nothing underneath it.

cw

[Pep]

Thanks to you both!

I'm pretty sure he's holding a spear behind his head with his right hand though.

Kevin 

[petzlaff]

absolutely right with the spear

BTW: a beautiful coin of the period which is characterized by a major mint reform which doubled the worth of the Dekanummion to be Half Follis (they marked it with the "K" for Half Follis beside the "I" for Deka).

Stefan

[Pep]

Thanks Stefan!

I guess the would also double as his name?

Kevin