Sale: CNG 70, Lot: 1113. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 September 2005.  Sold For $1300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

TIBERIUS III (Apsimar). 698-705 AD. AV Solidus (4.03 g, 6h). Syracuse mint? Crowned facing bust, holding spear and shield / Cross potent on three steps; small crosses in fields, CONOB. DOC II 22; cf. Spahr 256; MIB III 34; SB 1381. EF for issue, toned, scratch on reverse. Rare. ($750)

This variety of Tiberius III solidus, with two crosses flanking the cross on steps, seems to have significant stylistic differences from the typical Syracuse mint issues from that reign, a fact noted by Grierson in DOC. Additionally, there is no S at the end of the reverse legend (which is visible on the published specimens where visible), and the coin appears to be of somewhat lower fineness. Possibly the product of another provincial mint in Sicily or southern Italy.