Leo III, Copper, Follis, Constantinople, 720-circa 721
Obverse
Frontal bust of Leo III, bearded, wearing chlamys and crown with cross on circlet. Globus cruciger in right hand, akakia in left hand.
]-NPML
Reverse
Frontal bust of Constantine V as an infant between two crosses and above an elaborate horizontal bar. M below with X|X|R in right field.
]-NSINSM
Obverse
Frontal bust of Leo III, bearded, wearing chlamys and crown with cross on circlet. Globus cruciger in right hand, akakia in left hand.
]-NPML
Reverse
Frontal bust of Constantine V as an infant between two crosses and above an elaborate horizontal bar. M below with X|X|R in right field.
]-NSINSM
| Accession number | BZC.1973.42 |
|---|---|
| Catalogue ID | as DOC 3.1:256, no. 29d.6 |
| Ruler | Leo III |
| Date of Reign | 717–741 |
| Associated Authority | Constantine V |
| Metal | Copper |
| Denomination | Follis |
| Mint | Constantinople |
| Date | 720 – circa 721 |
| Diameter | 27.0 mm |
| Weight | 10.37 g |
| Relation of Dies | 6:00 |
| Shape | Flat |
Acquisition History
From Spink's Numismatic Circular, 20 December 1973
Commentary
This coin is a follis of Class 2a. The meaning of R is discussed in Philip Grierson, “La lettre ‘R’ au revers de folles de Justinien II” (reverse of this coin illustrated). He suggests that it could stand for restauratus or restitutus, in an allusion to his return to power, cited as such in Isidore of Seville.
As DOC 3.1:256, no. 29d (officina letter illegible), but with R beneath the X|X.