Unraveling the Mysteries: My Deep Dive into the Anonymous Class B Follis of Romanus III

Getting to Know the Anonymous Class B Follis

I’ve been living and breathing Byzantine coins lately, and Romanus III’s Anonymous Class B follis has completely captured my imagination. While everyone talks about Class A, I’ve found Class B’s subtle design variations offer a whole new level of collecting pleasure. Through my own hands-on study, I’ve discovered how paying attention to these small differences can completely change how we see these coins – from spotting fakes to understanding what makes one specimen more valuable than another.

Zervos’ Classification System Explored

My research took me straight to Orestes H. Zervos’ essential 2003 paper in Nomosmatika Khronika, where he organized eight main types from Corinth excavations. What fascinates me is how Zervos focused on nimbus variations while deliberately leaving out some common sub-types. Here’s what I’ve observed about these classifications in practice:

• Type B-1: Shows Christ with a cross nimbus featuring squares in each arm; the reverse displays IS-XS ЬAS-ILЄ ЬAS-ILЄ in small letters around a stepped cross. Perfect for newcomers to the series.
• Type B-2: Adds dots in the nimbus arms and quarters – so rare I’ve only seen photos of maybe five examples. Still hoping to add one to my collection someday!
• Type B-3: Known for central pellets in each nimbus arm, though I’ve handled coins missing pellets on one side that made me question consistency.
• Type B-4 variants: Covers B-4a (small letters), B-4b (large letters), plus unclassified B-4c and B-4d with dot differences. More available but need careful checking.
• Type B-5 and B-6: Feature elliptical patterns or faint details; B-6 is particularly elusive with minimal documentation – the white whale for specialists.
• Type Bb: Southern Italian imitations that can trip up even experienced collectors, though spotting them becomes a satisfying game.

What’s exciting is that since Zervos’ initial work, collector finds have revealed additions like B-7 and B-8, showing there’s still more to learn.

Rarity, Variations and Real-World Collecting

In my view, Types B-2 and B-3 are the true stars for scarcity. I still kick myself over that Savoca auction where a B-2 sold for peanuts right under my nose – a lesson that deals still exist if you’re watching closely. When I finally landed a clear B-3 with visible pellets, I understood why condition matters so much – wear can completely hide defining features. The Bb imitations keep us honest too; I’ve learned to always trace a coin’s history before buying. With ultra-scarce types like B-5, I wait for pieces with crisp lettering and minimal patina since you might only get one shot at owning one.

Market Realities and Collector Wisdom

After tracking countless sales, I’ve seen how minor varieties (like B-4 sub-types) can be surprisingly affordable, often under $50, while true rarities like B-2 ignite bidding wars. Condition is everything – prioritize nimbus clarity and readable legends. Dark patina has fooled me before; now I always examine coins under bright light to catch details like pellet placement. For attribution, here’s what works for me:

• Keep Zervos’ paper handy and cross-check with Bates and Morrisson when details seem ambiguous
• Seek out coins showing clear sleeve or book details on the front – they’re usually better preserved
• Get on good terms with dealers; my best B-3 came through a small auction tip-off
• Maintain detailed records of your finds – my variation log helped me recognize the emerging B-7 pattern

Parting Thoughts for Fellow Collectors

Working with Anonymous Class B follises has reminded me why I fell in love with coins – that perfect mix of historical discovery and the adrenaline rush of the hunt. These Byzantine pieces carry such artistry in their tiny details. If you’re building a collection, don’t sleep on Class B – it’s where attentive collectors find hidden treasures. Stay curious, and who knows – you might just turn up something extraordinary!