On the Cusp of the Norman Arrival

419, Lot: 498. Estimate $100. Sold for $160. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Southern Italy. Uncertain. Circa 11th century. Æ Follis (22.5mm, 2.33 g, 6h). Imitating a Constantinople mint Class B anonymous follis, struck circa 1028-1034. Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / + IS SS/ [Ь]AS ILЄ/ ЬASILЄ in three lines divided by cross [set upon three steps] and with pellet at end of bars. Cf. SB 1823 (for protoype); Travaini, Monetazione, pp. 14-16: Sambon 280 (Puglia or Calabria). VF, earthen green patina. Rare and interesting.