My Numismatic Expedition into Classifying Anonymous Class B Follis of Romanus III

I’ve been diving deep into Byzantine coinage lately, and while Class A2 and A3 follis get all the attention, I’ve found myself captivated by the intricate world of Anonymous Class B follis coins attributed to Romanus III. Inspired by Orestes H. Zervos’ groundbreaking 2003 work, I’ve been exploring the nuances of these coins, uncovering rare varieties and sharing my collecting adventures along the way.

Understanding Zervos’ Classification System

Zervos’ framework, based on excavations at Corinth, identifies eight key types of ornamental differences in Class B follis, focusing on variations in the nimbus and other details while omitting some common sub-types. I’ve studied his descriptions closely and added my own insights from handling specimens. Here’s a quick rundown of the main types:

• Type B-1: Features a cross nimbus with squares in each arm—relatively common but a solid starting point for collectors.
• Type B-2: Extremely rare, with only a handful of specimens known; I’ve personally tracked four, and the unique nimbus details make it a holy grail.
• Type B-3: Noted for central pellets in the nimbus arms, but I’m skeptical—I’ve seen coins with inconsistencies that might just be die errors, not distinct types.
• Types B-4a to B-4d: These include variations in letter sizes on the reverse and nimbus ornaments; I’ve identified B-4c and B-4d myself, adding dots to the corners for better classification.
• Type B-5: With an elliptical pattern, it’s elusive—I haven’t spotted one outside Zervos’ references.
• Type B-6: Described but not illustrated; I’m chasing down leads for clearer images.
• Type Bb: Classified as an imitation from Southern Italy, reminding us to watch for non-standard issues.
• New Additions: I’ve cataloged types like B-7, B-4e, and B-8 based on corrupt legends or unique features, showing how this field keeps evolving.

Spotting Rare Varieties and Grading Tips

In my quest, I’ve learned that the devil is in the details—especially with nimbus ornaments and reverse inscriptions. For instance, differences in letter sizes (small vs. large) or the presence of central pellets can signal rarity. When grading, focus on clarity: coins with dark patina, like some I’ve encountered, can obscure key features, so use good lighting to examine nimbus rectangles or dot placements. Imitations often have wonky legends, so compare them to standard types carefully. Rarity varies wildly; while minor variations like common B-4a coins are affordable and great for beginners, scarce types like B-2 or my newly added B-8 can command higher prices if well-preserved.

Market Observations and Collecting Strategies

Auctions have been a rollercoaster—I lost bids on a rare B-2 that sold for a steal on eBay, but I scored a pristine Zervos B-3 in a fierce Savoca auction. It’s now the crown jewel of my collection, with superb detail on the central pellets. Based on this, I advise:

• Hunt for undervalued rarities at auctions; prices can be low for common types, but scarce ones spark bidding wars.
• Document everything—I’m building a personal catalog of variations, and clear photos are essential for verification.
• Prioritize coins with sharp details for better long-term value; sleeve decorations or clear cross dots add appeal.

Overall, Class B follis offers rich historical insights without breaking the bank for most variants.

Wrapping Up My Journey

Classifying these coins feels like solving a puzzle—each new discovery, like my B-3 win or the elusive B-6 chase, fuels my passion. If you’re collecting Byzantine coins, don’t overlook Class B; it’s packed with hidden gems and opportunities for personal research. I’m excited to see what future finds emerge, and I’ll keep sharing my adventures as I dig deeper into this fascinating corner of numismatics.