I love interesting errors - and
Byzantine bronze coins made from the reign of
Heraclius to
Alexius I give error collectors a seemingly endless supply of errors to enjoy.
Still, it is
rare for me to encounter a coin that has been
overstruck and/or multi-struck in a way that makes me laugh. Sometimes the perfect combination of design elements are struck in just the right way to make an unforgettable scene. I will share with you my two absolute favorites. I
hope these make you smile.
1)
Michael VII '
signed'
follis (
Sear 1878) struck over Anonymous Class G - 7.5gm 25mm. This coin was struck such that the folds of Mary's garment around her left elbow are on top of
Christ's
head AND are just about the only clear design element from the understrike remaining on that
side!
His new hairstyle looks fantastic!
==> I've named this coin "Crazy Hair Christ" or "Hip Hair Christ" or "Combover Christ" .
2)
Sear 63 (
Justin I) or 158 (
Justinian I) over an uncertain "M" coin - 15.2gm 30mm. What I think is
part of the "M" from the understrike can clearly be seen in front of the emperor's
face where the
field in front of
his nose normally is. In this case, the shape produced looks just like a
pig's snout to me!
==> I've named this coin "Emperor Piggy" Let me know if you have any other naming ideas for either of these coins - and please do share your own as well!
