Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXIV 19-20 Jan 2021
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Revolt of the Heraclii. 608-610. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.46 g, 7h). Uncertain military mint in the East. Dated fixed IY 11 (Summer AD 608). D N ЄRACLIO CONSVLI BA , facing busts of Heraclius and the exarch Heraclius, each wearing slight beard and consular robes; cross between / VICTORIA CONSAB, cross potent set on four steps; IA//CONOB. DOC 11; MIBE 3; SB 719. Faint hairlines on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare.
Beginning in 608, the exarch of Africa and his son, both named Heraclius, began issuing coinage in opposition to that of the unpopular Byzantine emperor Phocas. This coinage named and depicted the Heraclii as consuls (though neither held the title at that time) rather than as emperors, a political move that promoted the Heraclii as champions of the people, not merely rivals to the throne. The revolt culminated with Heraclius the younger's coup at Constantinople, where he was welcomed by the population, crowned, and saw to the execution of his predecessor in 610.
Beginning in 608, the exarch of Africa and his son, both named Heraclius, began issuing coinage in opposition to that of the unpopular Byzantine emperor Phocas. This coinage named and depicted the Heraclii as consuls (though neither held the title at that time) rather than as emperors, a political move that promoted the Heraclii as champions of the people, not merely rivals to the throne. The revolt culminated with Heraclius the younger's coup at Constantinople, where he was welcomed by the population, crowned, and saw to the execution of his predecessor in 610.