BYZANTINE EMPIRE. Heraclius. 610-641. AV tremissis. 1.47 gm. 15 mm. Ravenna mint. His diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, small cross above diadem; D N HERACL-IVS PP AVC / Cross potent; VICTORIΛ ΛCVSCRVN around, CONOB below. SB 902. DOC 276 var. (legend). MIB 125. Very Fine; old scuff on mouth on obverse; a few minor deposits on the deeply struck reverse. Rare. From an old collection assembled in the 1930s and 1940s in the United States. The unusual bust style and other elements suggest it may have been issued by the Lombards, in which case it would be extremely rare.

Heraclius was one of the greatest of all Byzantine rulers and founder of a remarkable dynasty. When he came to power, the Empire seemed close to disintegration, much of it occupied by the Persians, and the barbarians were at the gate. Often leading his troops in person, Heraclius vanquished the Persians, the Sassanians, and the Avars, and restored the Holy Cross to Jerusalem. The closing years of his reign saw the first dynamic expansion of Muslim power, yet nonetheless he established the foundation of the strong Byzantine Empire.