Watch List notes:

Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine, 610-641. Half Follis (Bronze, 23 mm, 4.86 g, 7 h), 'sword issue', Constantinopolis, RY 20 = 629/30. Heraclius, on the left, standing facing in military attire, with moustache and long beard, wearing crown surmounted by cross, holding long cross in his right hand and sword in his left; on the right, Heraclius Constantine standing facing, short bearded, wearing crown surmounted by cross and chlamys, holding globus cruciger in his right hand; between their heads, star. Rev. Large K between [A/N/N/O] and X/X; above, cross; below, CON. DOC -. MIB -. SB -. Extremely rare. Traces of overstriking, otherwise, very fine.


This very interesting issue with Heraclius holding a sword in his left hand is only known from the regnal year 20 = 629/30. It very likely refers to the defeat of the Sasanians by Heraclius after a very long and devastating war.