ISLAMIC, Time of the Rashidun. Pseudo-Byzantine types. Fals (Bronze, 20x30 mm, 7.87 g, 6 h), imitating a EN T૪TO NIKA follis of Constans II, uncertain mint, circa AH 19-39 / AD 641-660. Imperial figure standing facing, wearing crown surmounted by cross, holding long cross in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left; in field to left, [...]TO NIKΛ. Rev. Large m in center flanked by A/O and •/Є; above, cross flanked by two N; below, illegible letters. Goodwin, Khalili Collection, p. 34, 5 (type E). Attractive earthen highlights. 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 in the night before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312.