Leu Numismatik AG
Web Auction 17 14-16 Aug 2021
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Heraclius (610-641), with Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, 638-641. Seal (Lead, 26 mm, 13.00 g, 12 h). The Mother of God standing facing, holding Christ before her; to her left and right, cross. Rev. Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, both wearing crowns surmounted with crosses, and Heraclonas, uncrowned, standing facing; each holding globus cruciger in their right hand; in upper field to left, cross. DO Seals 17.1. Zacos/Veglery 14a-b (variety 1). A rare imperial seal type. Minor breakage along the channel mouth on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
The coinage of the joint reign of Heraclius with his two sons show two variants of the "three emperors standing" type: on one, Heraclonas is depicted significantly smaller than his father and brother, whereas in the more common type, the difference in height is much less pronounced. This phenomenon also occurs on seals and our seal is an example of the first and earliest type, which should be dated close to 638, the date of Heraclonas' ascension to emperor.
The coinage of the joint reign of Heraclius with his two sons show two variants of the "three emperors standing" type: on one, Heraclonas is depicted significantly smaller than his father and brother, whereas in the more common type, the difference in height is much less pronounced. This phenomenon also occurs on seals and our seal is an example of the first and earliest type, which should be dated close to 638, the date of Heraclonas' ascension to emperor.