Lot 3969

Description

Byzantine weight, 5th-7th Century, A barrel-shaped spherical commercial weight, 12x14 mm, bronze half Uncia (half ounce) weight (11.81 g); cylindrical with a slightly bulging center and with a flat top and bottom. The top bears a center punch flanked by the incuse cut engraved letters I.B = 1/2 uncia (symbol I.B), similar letters as traces on the bottom side, (cf.Bendall P.25 for similar weights and Munz Zentrum Sale XXXII [23rd November 1978, lot 88]). Brown earthen patina with some original metal showing through, very fine and rare.

Ex Simmons, London Mail Bid Sale 55 April 21, 2011 (lot 382).