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Author Topic: A frustrating piece: Early Christian Symbolism With an Unknown Alphabet!  (Read 547 times)

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Offline Laurent R

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Hello all,
I find myself with a headache, and worse, one which I cannot even be certain is ancient (or for that matter, a coin!)
I hope I'm not too off the mark in posting it here, if otherwise, my apologies!
The coin in question weighs 3.33 grams exactly, with a diameter of 16 mm. One side represents a view of a long haired individual (with two figures below him/her possibly?) While the opposite clearly shows a chalice and what looks like a mass set.
If anyone could possibly have the slightest idea where to look, I would be greatly obliged! Two ideas I had were that the writing could be some sort of Aramaic, or Ethiopian, but I cannot confirm either theory.
Many thanks!
LRC

 

Offline SC

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    • A Handbook of Late Roman Bronze Coin Types 324-395.
This is an early type of Umayyad bronze fals of the "standing caliph" type.

The obverse has the caliph standing with sword and Arabic writing around.

The reverse has a debased form of the Byzantine cross on steps.  The arm of the cross has been removed (replaced with a circlet) with writing around it too.

They are generally dated to Abd al-Marlik ibn Marwan, circa 65-86 AH/685-705 AD.  Not sure if yours is one of those.  It is a bit crude.  They symbols next to the "cross" may help further identify it.

SC
SC
(Shawn Caza, Ottawa)

Offline Laurent R

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WOOOOOHOOO!!!
Thank you very much!
Your reply was better than Advil for my headache! Instant resolution!
And I who was looking in all the wrong places...
Thanks again!
LRC

 

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