ISLAMIC, Time of the Rashidun. Pseudo-Byzantine types. Fals (Bronze, 21 mm, 3.71 g, 11 h), 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. Some deposits, otherwise, very fine.


This issue was overstruck on a follis of one of the sons of Constantine I (AD 307-337), perhaps of Constantine II (AD 316-337) as Caesar. One can clearly see a draped and cuirassed bust to left and the legend [...]CON[...]N NOB C on the obverse, whereas the reverse shows the partial inscription [...]PROVIDEN[...]CAESS. Thus, the overstruck coin was a PROVIDENTIAE CAESS issue from one of the eastern mints, possibly Cyzicus or Nicomedia, showing a campgate on the reverse, of which the base 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).