NumisBids
  
Nomos AG
Auction 20  10 Jul 2020
View prices realized

Lot 410

Estimate: 500 CHF
Price realized: 950 CHF
Find similar lots
Share this lot: Share by Email

Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine, 610-641. Solidus (Gold, 23.5 mm, 4.39 g, 7 h), Uncertain mint in the East, Alexandria, Jerusalem or Cyprus, 10th officina = I, c. 613-618. dd NN hERACLIUS ET hERA CONST Crowned, draped and cuirassed facing busts of Heraclius, on the left larger and bearded, and Heraclius Constantine, on the right much smaller and beardless; between them above, cross. Rev. VICTORIA AV?? I / CONOB Cross potent on base and three steps. DOC 187a (Alexandria). MIB 77 (Cyprus). SB 851 (Jerusalem). Sharply struck and with almost intact mint luster. Some striking flatness, otherwise, good extremely fine.

The place where this issue was struck has long been rather controversial. Given how tumultuous Heraclius' reign was, first the overthrow of Phocas and then the almost ceaseless war with the Persians, there was a real need for provincial/military mints to pay the military. This type, because of the curious short busts and the officina Ι, was, for a time, attributed to Jerusalem. That seems less likely now, but given how scholars are, it may well end up being re-re-attributed at some future date.
Question about this auction? Contact Nomos AG