April's 1998 Coin of the Month       A newly documented Romanus II (959 - 963) Solidus, type of Constantine VII with blundered legends on the reverse.  This coin has been newly proven to be from the reign of Romanus II by obverse die linkage.  Currently, I know of four specimens.  The reverse legend has been blundered to the point that they are no recognizable letters.  This dating on this coin would be in the very earliest part of the reign, ie. 959.  The weight of this piece is 4.39 grams with proper die axis.  The condition census is this piece which is close to Mint State, Dumbarton Oaks 15.22 at Extremely Fine, one that Frank Kovas currently has at Good Very Fine and an unseen piece in an european collection. Recently (6/98), two additional pieces came to my attention.  Both in similiar condition as the above specimen, but from different dies.   April's 1998 Imitative Piece of the Month       Visigothic? Solidus struck in the name of Justinian I (527 - 565), Ex Virgil Brand Collection.  This piece is highly unusual in style and fabric.  Due to the long pedigree the attribution must stand, but when comparing this piece to MEC 190 and 191 the piece has a totally different appearance.  The engraving is of a finer style, the lack of pronounced denticles and the staff on this coin has a singular base.