John II Comnenus, Aspron trachy, 1118-1143
Constantinople - Billon - EF(40-45)
Bust of Christ, facing, nimbed, right hand raised and holding a book of the Gospels in the left.
John II facing, bearded, wearing a pendilla, holding a sceptre topped by a cross in his right hand and a cruciger globe in his left.
IC - XC
4.34 gr
An “EF(40-45)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Extremely Fine
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.