Sale: Triton IX, Lot: 1659. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 January 2006.  Sold For $1000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LEO III, the Isaurian, with Constantine V. 717-741 AD. Æ Follis (3.80 g, 6h). Syracuse mint. Struck circa 720 AD. Crowned facing busts of Leo and Constantine, both holding akakia, Leo also holds globus cruciger / Large M; monogram above, B(?) KWN [CTA] across field; SCL. Cf. DOC II 53 (citing the Spahr coin); cf. Spahr 317; cf. SB 1529A (listed as unique). Good VF, olive green patina. Extremely rare, perhaps a half dozen known, all with incomplete details. ($500)

DOC described the details surrounding the M as remains of the undertype, while in reality they are the abbreviation of Constantine's name, associated with Leo's monogram above the M. This specimen also shows an additional letter visible above the K of Constantine's name; perhaps a B for Basileos to emphasise Constantine's newly elevated status?