That’s right: pseudo-Byzantine, with ‘standing imperial figure’
obverse, usually attributed to
Syria during the early decades of Arab rule (from the 640’s up to about 670). It’s hard to say more, because there are diverse confusing
types and variations in this coinage – and many of the coins look more like something created by a local village blacksmith than the product of an official
mint.
Some recent studies have promoted the theory that the
weights of the imitatives tend to track the
weights of the
Constans II issues they imitate. These
weights drop steadily, so heavier (over 4g, say) usually = earlier and lighter (under 3g) = later. Also the earlier issues often make some attempt (though usually blundered) at including an
obverse inscription.
Bill R
