Chasing My Realistic Ancient Coin Holy Grails: Dreams Within Reach
June 22, 2025
You know how Byzantine coinage can become an obsession? For me, it’s always been those Anonymous Class B folles linked to Romanus III. While everyone seems focused on Class A2 and A3, I kept coming back to Class B – there’s something quietly compelling about them. Orestes Zervos’ 2003 paper on Class B varieties became my constant companion, though honestly, it left me with more questions than answers. That gap between his framework and what I was seeing in the wild is what hooked me.
Making Sense of Zervos’ System
Zervos built his classification around Corinth excavation finds, outlining eight main types while skipping some sub-varieties I’ve handled. His key distinctions rest on nimbus ornaments and lettering styles – crucial details for attribution. After comparing his notes against my own collection, here’s how I see his core types:
- Zervos B-1: Christ bust with IC-XC, cross nimbus (squares in each arm), small reverse letters – your foundation type.
- Zervos B-2: Similar but with distinct nimbus patterns. Genuinely rare – I’ve only confirmed six examples. Still hunting for one myself.
- Zervos B-3: Features a central pellet in nimbus arms. Zervos reported a single specimen, but I’ve seen coins with pellets in just one arm – makes me wonder if we’re looking at B-4 variations instead.
- Zervos B-4a and B-4b: Separated by reverse letter size (small vs large). Without sharp examples, these can be tricky to tell apart.
- Zervos B-5: Elliptical nimbus pattern. Zervos called it “peculiar” – I’ve yet to hold one outside his publication.
- Zervos B-6: Not illustrated originally. Morrisson’s descriptions are fuzzy; I’m still chasing solid images from Paris collections.
- Zervos Bb: Classed as an Italian imitation. A good reminder to stay alert for contemporary counterfeits!
Beyond the Textbook: Chasing New Finds
Cataloging my own coins revealed types Zervos missed. Take B-4c and B-4d – I separated them based on whether dots touch the nimbus squares. Later I added B-7 and B-8 after spotting coins with garbled legends or odd patterns. These minor varieties won’t break the bank, but spotting them takes practice. My big regret? Hesitating on a B-2 at Savoca’s eBay auction – lost it for peanuts. But redemption came when I landed a crisp B-3 recently, showing clear central pellets that helped settle some classification debates.
Hard-Won Lessons for Collectors
If you’re exploring Class B, start with Zervos’ paper (find it online) but treat it as a beginning, not the final word. Some things I’ve learned the hard way:
- Grading Matters Most Here: Nimbus details make or break attribution. That dark patina coin in my cabinet? Needs angled light to reveal pellet placements.
- Market Reality: Common types like B-4a cost little, but rarities like B-2? Prepare for bidding wars. Savoca auctions get competitive – set limits and stick to them. I’ve overpaid and underbid, but patience pays off.
- Pitfalls to Avoid: Watch for Bb imitations. And that “blessing hand” detail? Often just drapery folds – double-check with Bates or Morrisson.
- Keep Good Records: Log everything. I’m building a master list of variations and welcome collaborators. Even my ugly photos prove a point!
Why This Hunt Matters
Tracking Class B folles feels like detective work – thrilling finds mixed with frustrating near-misses. Zervos gave us solid groundwork, but there are absolutely more varieties waiting in collections. If Romanus III coins speak to you, jump in. Document carefully, share discoveries, and remember: we’re not just collecting metal. We’re reconstructing history through these small, stubborn variations.
