My Realistic Ancient Coin Holy Grails: A Collector’s Pursuit
June 21, 2025
I’ve been utterly captivated by the Byzantine Anonymous Class B folles lately, especially those tied to Romanus III’s era. While Class A varieties get a lot of buzz, I found Class B to be a treasure trove of nuances that deserve more spotlight. Diving into Orestes H. Zervos’ 2003 work has been eye-opening, revealing how these coins tell stories through their ornamental quirks.
Zervos’ Classification System
Zervos’ paper, based on Corinth excavations, outlines eight core types for Class B folles, though he deliberately skipped some sub-types. His framework focuses on nimbus details and letter sizes, which are crucial for identification. Here’s a rundown of the key types I’ve studied:
- B-1: Obverse has IC-XC flanking Christ’s bust with a cross nimbus featuring squares in each arm. Reverse shows IS-XS ЬAS-ILЄ ЬAS-ILЄ in small letters around a cross on steps. This is one of the more common finds.
- B-2: Similar obverse but with added elements in the nimbus; it’s extremely rare—I’ve only heard of six specimens. If you spot one, snap it up fast!
- B-3: Features a central pellet in the nimbus arms. I’m skeptical about this one because I’ve seen coins with pellets only on one arm, suggesting it might be a variant of B-4. A clearer specimen would help resolve this.
- B-4a and B-4b: Both share an obverse with squares in the nimbus, but B-4b has large letters on the reverse. B-4a is fairly standard, while B-4b stands out.
- B-5: Has an elliptical pattern in the nimbus and is super rare—I haven’t encountered it outside Zervos’ descriptions.
- B-6: Not illustrated and poorly documented; I’m chasing Morrisson’s references to verify it.
- Bb: Classified as an imitation from Southern Italy, adding a fun twist for collectors of regional issues.
Zervos also hinted at unclassified sub-types like B-4c (with dots on square corners) and B-4d (unattached dots), which I’ve started documenting myself.
Rare Varieties and Market Realities
Hunting for these coins has been a rollercoaster. I scored a Zervos B-3 recently at auction—it’s the best I’ve seen, with sharp details on the central pellet, but dark patina can hide flaws, so I always lighten photos for clarity. Rarity drives prices: B-2 and B-5 are elusive and expensive, while minor types like B-4a can be surprisingly affordable. I missed a B-2 on Savoca for a song, which stung—auctions are fierce, so set alerts and bid early!
Practical Collecting Tips
Based on my mishaps and wins, here’s how to navigate Class B folles:
- Focus on details: Examine the nimbus closely—look for pellets, squares, or dots in the arms. On reverses, letter size (small vs. large) is a dead giveaway for types like B-4a vs. B-4b.
- Grading matters: Coins with clear legends and minimal wear fetch premiums. If patina obscures features, use indirect lighting in photos to reveal hidden elements, like the dot placements I encountered.
- Verify with references: Always cross-check with works like Morrisson or Bates, as Zervos isn’t infallible. I’m still chasing down Bibliothèque nationale specimens for confirmation.
- Document everything: New variations pop up—I’ve tentatively labeled finds as B-7 and B-8. Keep a log; it helps the community and boosts your collection’s value.
Overall, Class B folles are a dynamic area with room for discovery. If you stumble upon a coin with odd features, like a central dot on the reverse cross, it could be a new type—share it! Happy hunting, and may your auctions be less ‘Grrr’ and more ‘Eureka!’
