ISLAMIC, Time of the Rashidun. Pseudo-Byzantine types. Fals (Bronze, 20 mm, 2.99 g), imitating an EN T૪TO NIKA follis of Constans II, without mint and date, 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. Rev. Large m in center; to right Є/O. Goodwin, Khalili Collection, p. 34, 5 (type E). A interesting overstrike of a Pseudo-Byzantine type on a Roman coin. Traces of overstriking and with some deposits, otherwise, very fine.


This issue was overstruck on a follis of Constantine I (AD 307-337). One can clearly see his head and the legend [...]CONSTAN-TINV[...] on the obverse, whereas the reverse shows the partial inscription [...]PROVIDEN-T[...]AVGG // [...]ANT. Thus, the understype is likely RIC 63 (PROVIDEN-TIA AVGG / SMANT) from Antiochia, showing a campgate on the reverse, of which the left turret is still visible. Overstrikes of Arab-Byzantine coins on Roman coins are well attested, but they usually date to the reigns of Mu'awiya I (AH 41-60 / AD 661-680) and Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (AH 65-86 / AD 685-705)