Lot 3645

Description

Romanus II, (A.D. 959-963), AE 17 (follis?), Cherson mint, (2.09 g), obv. monogram of 9WMA, rev. cross floriate on two steps, pellets to left and right, (S.1775, DOC 3, BMC 32-34 [Romanus I]); Nicephorus II, Phocas, (A.D. 963-969), AE 18 (follis?), Cherson mint, (3.06 g), obv. monogram of emperor's name, rev. monogram, (S.1784, DOC 9, BMC 13, R.1916). Fine - very fine and both very scarce. (2)

The type suggests for the first coin that an attribution to Romanus I may be more preferable. The coinage of Cherson produced a very distinctive copper coinage of cast fabric. The cast series under various rulers continued until Basil II (976-1025).