ISLAMIC, Time of the Rashidun. Pseudo-Byzantine types. Fals (Bronze, 22 mm, 6.09 g, 12 h), imitating the EN T૪TO NIKA follis of Constans II, before AH 24 = AD 645. ЄN T૪TO NCPVO Imperial figure standing facing, wearing crown surmounted by cross, holding long cross in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left. Rev. Large m flanked by A/N/A and q/A/N; above, cross; below, CAO. MIB X25 (same dies).T. Goodwin, 'What can we learn from ‘Transitional’ coins?' in: Coinage and History in the Seventh Century Near East, volume 6, p. 123, coin 'a' (same dies). Very rare. Very fine.


The Byzantine EN T૪TO NIKA ('in this [sign] conquer') issues, struck under Constans II in 641-648, commemorated the famous vision of a cross of light, which Constantine the Great allegedly saw the night before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. This coin is part of an early, small, and remarkable issue that is of higher artistry than the official folles of Constans II. We kindly thank T. Goodwin for his valuable contributions to the discussion of this issue.