Obolos 17

BYZANTINE WEIGHTS. Leontios, eparch, circa 6th-7th century. Weight (Glass, 18.5 mm, 1.47 g), in the weight of a tremissis. +ΛEONTIOY Facing bust of the eparch Leontios, holding mappa with his uplifted right hand; the whole within incuse. Rev. Plain. Cf. Zacos 2996-3002. Aqua blue glass; glass weights for tremissis are quite scarce. Some deposits, otherwise, good very fine.

The reason why glass was used for coins weights is because their brittleness meant that they could not be fraudulently altered. Many have expressed doubts that they are actually weights since they do not always correspond to a specific denomination. In any case, this piece, in the name of an Eparch, must have been officially issued: it is possible that this glass weight was produced under the authority of the same Eparch Leontios of whom a lead seal is known that is now in Dumbarton Oaks (BZS.1958.106.4057). Eparchal glass weights, in varying denominations - mostly solidi - are found in the British Museum and elsewhere.