TIBERIUS II CONSTANTINE (578-582). Follis. Nicomedia. Dated RY 4(?) or 5(?) (578 or 578/9). Obv: Crowned and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman motif. Rev: Large M; cross above, A/N/N/O - Ч across field, A below; NIKO. Cf. Sear 440; cf. MIBE 34. The regnal year on this issue causes some problems, in that Tiberius considered the beginning of his reign as his creation as Caesar and his regency under Justin II. Once he became emperor, his regnal years began with RY 4. Though the RY on this coin appears to be 2 (II), it must surely be a blundered 4 (II/II) or 5 (Ч) instead. As only RY 4 is known for this type of follis, it is more likely that the celator didn't engrave the second pair of II in order to render the date as 'II/II.' Very rare and unusual. Condition: Very fine. Weight: 12.48 g. Diameter: 28 mm.