An example of the very rare solidus of Michael III "The Drunkard", 842 - 867.  This is the second type of Michael III that used the image of Christ on the obverse in the style of Justinian II, after 150 years of iconoclasm.  This piece weighs 4.46g and might be the best example known.
 

June 1999 Imitative(?) Piece of the Month
 

 What seems like a Carthage solidus of Constans II (641-668) might actually be an imitative piece.  The obverse is typical with worn dies and fragmented legends.  The reverse legends, however, are clear and totally blundered.  Not only do they not make sense, but half of the lettering is inverted.  Is this a Carthage product or an Arab-Byzantine piece?   The weight is 4.54g, which is exactly the standard, but hardly ever met.  Any opinions would be appreciated.