ISLAMIC, Time of the Rashidun. Pseudo-Byzantine types. Fals (Bronze, 25 mm, 5.65 g, 1 h), Arab-Byzantine type imitating a follis of Constans II, uncertain mint, circa AH 24/5-27/8 = AD 645-647. Crowned and draped bust facing, bearded, holding cross in his right hand; above cross, flower or six-pointed star;in the upper right field, S above crescent.
Rev. Large M in center; to left, illegible legend; to right X/Ч; above, cross; below, Γ; in exergue, crescent. T. Goodwin, 'An enigmatic early Arab-Byzantine coin type' in: Mélanges de numismatique et d'archéologie de Byzance offerts à Henri Pottier, p. 149, 53 (
same obverse die). Very rare and with attractive earthen highlights. Very fine.
From the collection of J. Knudsen, formed from the late 1970s to the late 1990s.