CNG 87, Lot: 1287. Estimate $2000. Sold for $1700. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo IV and Leo III. 741-775. AV Histamenon Nomisma (19mm, 4.33 g, 5h). Constantinople mint. Struck circa 756-773. Crowned facing busts of Constantine, wearing short beard, and Leo IV, beardless, hair in two waves; large cross above, pellet between / Crowned facing bust of Leo III, hair in three waves, holding cross potent. DOC 2a; cf. Füeg 6.B.1 (for legend variety); SB 1551. Good VF. Rare.

Füeg’s distinction between his series 5 and 6, which he bases upon the number of waves in the hair of each Leo, appears to be erroneous. This coin clearly shows the hair of Leo IV to be in two waves, which does not exist in Füeg. At the same time, the illustration of Füeg 6.B.8 shows Leo III with three waves, where his listing calls for there to be four waves. It is thus apparent that the number of waves of hair is not a valid criterion for distinguishing the two series, which should probably be combined into a single series.