BYZANTINE EMPIRE. Philippicus (Bardanes). 711-713. AV solidus. 4.26 gm. 20 mm. Constantinople mint, 1st officina. Struck A.D. 711-713. His bust facing with short beard, wearing loros and crown with cross, holding globus cruciger and eagle-tipped scepter with cross above; ∂ N [FILЄPI]CЧS MЧLTЧS AN / Cross potent on three steps; VICTORIA AVςЧ A around, CONOB in exergue. SB 1447. DOC 1a. MIB 1. Mint State; lustrous; brilliant; of fine style and perfectly centered. Rare.

An Armenian general, Bardanes had a short and ineffective reign of 18 months between Justinian II and Anastasius II. He revived the Monothelete heresy, alienating the clergy, and failed to stop Arab and Bulgarian advances, angering the Byzantine army which blinded him. The notable thing about this amazing piece is the incredibly fine artistry for such a short reign. The emperor holds two devices from Roman times, the globus cruciger and scipio aquila (a scepter with eagle on top).