★ An enigmatic piece ★

Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, 913-959. Miliaresion (Bronze, 18 mm, 4.08 g, 6 h), Pattern with faint silvering on reverse. Crowned bust of Romanus I facing, with long beard and wearing loros, holding patriarchal cross on globus; star to left and right. Rev. [ROmAnO E]n ϴω b' R' Cross potent on steps. DOC 19. SB 1756. An enigmatic and extremely rare piece. Black patina. Some roughness on reverse, otherwise, very fine.

Due to their diameter, which is incompatible with the contemporary bronze follis but closely matches that of the silver miliaresion, coins like this rarely seen piece have been traditionally considered bronze patterns for a miliaresion that was never produced. However, the recent discovery of a gilded example (Tom Vossen VCoins store, SKU: 22164) and now this silvered piece implies that the coins were struck for a purpose other than merely testing the design and the dies. Examples in bronze, gilded bronze, and silvered bronze, may perhaps suggest a token for distribution to individuals of differing social or military ranks.