The Coin Cabinet
Auction 70 Part I 31 Aug 2022
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MS Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5 | BYZANTINE EMPIRE. Phocas, 602-610.
Gold solidus, ND (602-610).
Phocas, a soldier in the Danube region, rebelled against the Emperor Maurice, usurping the throne from him in 602. As Emperor, Phocas executed Maurice and his family, alienating the local aristocracy and the Sassanid Emperor Khosrow II who owed his throne to Maurice's support. In response, the Sassanids invaded the Eastern provinces of the Empire, starting a 26 year war that would bleed both Empires dry.
This instability led to changes on the coinage. On his coins, Phocas presents himself with a beard and with shaggy hair, an unusual decision as the vast majority of his predecessors had been clean-shaven on their coins. Perhaps he was trying to convey that he was putting the empire before his personal grooming, or maybe it was just a change of style.
Draped and cuirassed facing bust, wearing crown with pendilia, holding globus cruciger. / Angel standing facing, holding globus cruciger and long staff terminating in staurogram.
MS Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5.
Diameter: 21 mm.
Weight: 4.5 g.
Composition: Gold.
PLEASE NOTE: 6% Buyer Premium + VAT on this lot. No other fees, including live bidding. Delivery cost will be added to your order.
Gold solidus, ND (602-610).
Phocas, a soldier in the Danube region, rebelled against the Emperor Maurice, usurping the throne from him in 602. As Emperor, Phocas executed Maurice and his family, alienating the local aristocracy and the Sassanid Emperor Khosrow II who owed his throne to Maurice's support. In response, the Sassanids invaded the Eastern provinces of the Empire, starting a 26 year war that would bleed both Empires dry.
This instability led to changes on the coinage. On his coins, Phocas presents himself with a beard and with shaggy hair, an unusual decision as the vast majority of his predecessors had been clean-shaven on their coins. Perhaps he was trying to convey that he was putting the empire before his personal grooming, or maybe it was just a change of style.
Draped and cuirassed facing bust, wearing crown with pendilia, holding globus cruciger. / Angel standing facing, holding globus cruciger and long staff terminating in staurogram.
MS Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5.
Diameter: 21 mm.
Weight: 4.5 g.
Composition: Gold.
PLEASE NOTE: 6% Buyer Premium + VAT on this lot. No other fees, including live bidding. Delivery cost will be added to your order.