August's 1998 Coin of the Month

An rare solidus of Constantine VII, 913 - 959, sole reign gothic portrait.  While there are quite a few of these coins impounded in museums around the world, the available specimens for collectors is extremely limited.  Hunt, Conte and the upcoming Sotheby's sale does not have an example.  This piece appears to have been struck during a limited time period of about 945, after which Constantine VII produced a massive amount of coinage that also portrayed his sons.  The weight of this piece is 4.35g and exhibits a  little wear.  It is prized because of the superior workmanship of the portrait of Constantine VII, which is strikingly different from most coins of this era.  Sear 1747, DOC 13b.2.

August's 1998 Imitative Piece of the Month
 

An  Ostrogothic Solidus, in the name of Anastasius, struck by Theoderic during the time period of 493-526.  The Ostrogoths at this point controlled much of Italy and most significantly Rome.  The COMOB in exergue is one the differences between this coin and an imperial issue.  This piece weighs 4.49g and is MEC-112.