important collection of byzantine coins auction 3

Important Collection of Byzantine Coins

Auction 3

25 October 2011

Zurich

Hotel Savoy-Baur en Ville Poststrasse 12 CH-8001 Zurich Tel. +41-44-215 25 25 Fax +41-44-215 25 00

Under the supervision of Stadtammannamt Zurich SINCONA AG

Pelikanstrasse 11

CH-8001 Zurich

Tel. +41-44-215 10 90

Fax +41-44-215 10 99

© 2011 SINCONA AG, Zurich

2

Auktionsbedingungen Es gelten die folgenden Auktionsbedingungen: Uns unbekannte Bieter sind gebeten, sich vor der Auktion zu legitimieren. Ferner behält sich der Versteigerer vor, nach freiem Ermessen und ohne Angabe von Gründen Personen den Zutritt zu den Auktionsräumlichkeiten zu untersagen. Bei Anwesenheit des Käufers ist auf den Zuschlagspreis ein Aufgeld von 15% zu entrichten. Bei schriftlichen Geboten wird auf den Zuschlagspreis zusätzlich zu den 15% ein Aufgeld von 3%, bei telefonischen Geboten ein solches von 5% in Rechnung gestellt. Bei Auslieferung in der Schweiz wird für Platin-, Silber- und Kupfermünzen sowie alle Medaillen, Orden, Antiquitäten, etc. zum Zuschlag und Aufgeld zusätzlich 8% Mehrwertsteuer erhoben. Die Bezahlung ist nach erfolgtem Zuschlag sofort fällig und in Schweizer Währung zu bezahlen. Der Zuschlag erfolgt nach dreimaligem Aufruf des höchsten Gebotes und verpflichtet zur Abnahme. Jeder Käufer ist persönlich haftbar für die durch ihn vollzogenen Käufe. Er kann nicht geltend machen, für Rechnung Dritter gekauft zu haben. Wird der Kaufbetrag nicht innerhalb der vereinbarten Frist beglichen, kann SINCONA AG den Kauf annullieren. Der Versteigerer kann ohne Angabe von Gründen und ohne dafür zu haften Gebote ablehnen. Durch die Abgabe eines schriftlichen oder mündlichen Gebotes werden die Auktionsbedingungen vollumfänglich anerkannt. Gebote, die den Schätzpreis unterschreiten, können nicht berücksichtigt werden. Entweder/oder-Aufträge sowie Gesamtlimiten können nur bedingt ausgeführt werden. Schriftliche Aufträge werden von den Veranstaltern der Auktion interessewahrend ausgeführt und können nur bis 24 Stunden vor Auktionsbeginn verbindlich berücksichtigt werden. Die Veranstalter der Auktion sind mit Zustimmung der Auktionsaufsicht berechtigt, von der im Katalog vorgesehenen Reihenfolge abzuweichen und Nummern zu vereinigen. Lose werden nicht aufgeteilt. Bei Meinungsverschiedenheiten kann ein Los vom Versteigerer erneut ausgerufen werden. Die Auktion wird in deutscher und teilweise in englischer Sprache durchgeführt. Der Versand der ersteigerten Münzen erfolgt nach Bezahlung, so rasch wie möglich nach der Auktion auf Rechnung und Gefahr des Erwerbers. Das Auktionsgut bleibt bis zur vollständigen Bezahlung Eigentum des Verkäufers. Im Ausland anfallende Abgaben, wie z.B. Zollgebühren und Steuern, gehen demzufolge vollständig zu Lasten des Erwerbers. Die Beachtung ausländischer Zoll- und Devisenvorschriften etc. ist Sache des Erwerbers. Die Veranstalter der Auktion lehnen die Verantwortung für allfällige Folgen ab, die sich aus der Zuwiderhandlung gegen derartige Bestimmungen ergeben können. Die Echtheit der Münzen wird gewährleistet. Die Angaben und Beschreibungen im Katalog werden nach bestem Wissen und Gewissen gegeben. Begründete Beanstandungen können nur innerhalb von acht Tagen nach der Auktion berücksichtigt werden. Bei Münzen in "SLABS" erlischt die Echtheitsgarantie wenn diese geöffnet werden. Bei der Auktion anwesende Käufer kaufen grundsätzlich „wie besehen“ und können nur bei gravierenden Mängeln sofort reklamieren. Schriftliche Bieter haben die Möglichkeit sich über den Zustand der Lose während der Besichtigungstage persönlich, oder durch einen Vertreter, zu informieren. Eine Reklamation wegen Meinungsverschiedenheiten über den Erhaltungsgrad eines Loses wird nicht akzeptiert. Lots von mehr als einem Stück sind von jeglicher Reklamation ausgeschlossen. Telefonisches Bieten ist nur in Ausnahmefällen und für Stücke mit einem Schätzwert über CHF 3000.- möglich und muss mindestens 48 Stunden vor Beginn der Auktion angemeldet werden. Ein Mindestgebot in der Höhe der Schätzung wird vorausgesetzt. Der im Internet publizierte Auktionskatalog hat lediglich informativen Charakter. Für die Auktion massgebend ist die gedruckte Version. Erfüllungsort und Gerichtsstand im Verhältnis zwischen den Veranstaltern der Auktion und dem Erwerber ist Zürich. Im Übrigen gelten die Zürcher Auktionsbedingungen. Verantwortlicher Auktionator ist ein Funktionär der SINCONA AG. Eine Haftung des mitwirkenden Beamten, der Gemeinde und des Staates für Handlungen des Auktionators besteht nicht. Vorliegende Bedingungen liegen in deutscher, französischer, russischer und englischer Sprache vor, wobei die deutsche Fassung bei Meinungsverschiedenheiten massgebend ist.

3

Conditions of sale The following conditions apply for the auction: Unknown bidders are requested to identify themselves prior to the sale. The auctioneer reserves the right, exercisable at our complete discretion, to refuse admission to the premises or attendance at the auction. For buyers personally present a 15% premium is charged over and above the knock-down price. To written bids, additionally to the 15%, a premium of 3%, for telephone bids a premium of 5% is charged. If deliv-ered in Switzerland, silver and coins of other non-gold metals, as well all medals, medallions, orders of merit, antiques etc. are charged with an additional 8% VAT on the sale price and premium. Payment is due immediately after adjudication and is payable in Swiss currency against delivery of the coins. Adjudication ensues after the highest bid has been called three times, and commits the bidder to accep-tance. Every buyer is personally liable for all purchases made. He cannot claim to act for a third person. Should the purchase price not be paid within the agreed time limit, SINCONA AG may cancel the purchase. The auctioneer has the right at his absolute discretion to refuse any bid. Bids in writing or bids at the sale are taken to imply full acceptance of the conditions of sale. Written bids be-low the estimated prices cannot be considered. Either/or bids, as well as total price limits, can only be ac-cepted conditionally. Purchase orders in writing will be executed by the auctioneer in the buyer's interest and must reach the auc-tioneer 24 hours before the start of the sale. The auctioneer is entitled to depart from the numerical order of the catalogue and to join numbers. Lots cannot be divided. The auctioneer has the right, in case of error or dispute, to put an item up for bidding again. The auction will be held in German and sometimes in English. Coins purchased will be dispatched after payment, as soon as possible, for the account and the risk of the buyer. Any duties payable abroad, such as custom duties and taxes, are to be borne entirely by the buyer. The auctioned goods remain the sole and exclusive property of the vendor until full payment. It is the responsibility of the buyer to comply with foreign customs and exchange regulations etc. The organ-izer of the auction declines all responsibility for any consequences arising from contravention of such regula-tions. The authenticity of the coins is warranted. The specifications and descriptions in this catalogue have been prepared diligently and in good faith. Justified complaints can only be considered within eight days after the auction. For coins in "SLABS" the guarantee of authenticity no longer applies if the slab is opened. Buyers present at the auction acquire items strictly „as seen“ and complaints will only be considered if obvious defects have been overlooked and not described in the catalogue. Bidders purchasing by written bid have the possibility to inspect the auction lots during the days of viewing themselves, or by sending a representative. Complaints due to a difference in opinion on the state of preserva-tion of a lot will not be considered. No complaint, whatsoever, will be considered for lots containing more than one item. Telephone bids will only be accepted for lots in value of CHF 3000.- or more and must be announced to the auc-tioneer 48 hours before begin of the auction. A bid of at least the estimation value is a prerequisite. The auction catalogue that is published in the internet has only informative character. For the auction sale the printed catalogue is relevant. The place of performance and court of jurisdiction regarding relations between the organizers of the auction and the buyer shall be Zurich. In all other respects, the conditions are those customary for auction sales held in Zurich. The responsible auction-eer is an official of the SINCONA AG. The municipal representative present at the auction, as well as the Munici-pality or the State, will take no responsibility for the actions of the auctioneer. These conditions are available in German, French, Russian and English; the German version being definitive in the event of any disputes.

4

Conditions de la vente Les conditions suivantes régissent la vente: Les organisateurs de vente aux enchères peuvent interdire l'accès à la salle de vente à des personnes sans avoir à en expliquer les raisons. En présence de l’acheteur le prix d’adjudication est augmenté d’une prime de 15%. Dans le cas d'offres écrites, il s'ajoute à la commission de 15% du prix d'adjudication une prime de 3%, dans le cas d'offres téléphoniques, le prime additionnel est de 5 %. En cas de livraison en Suisse pour des pièces en platine, argent, cuivre, ainsi que pour toutes les médailles, or-dres, antiquités la TVA de 8% est prélevée sur le prix d’adjudication et la prime. Le paiement est dû immédia-tement en francs suisses après adjudication lors de la remise ou avant l’envoi des monnaies. L’adjudication intervient au troisième appel de l’enchère la plus élevée et oblige l’acheteur à accepter les mon-naies. L’enchérisseur présent à la vente est seul responsable des enchères portées, même si celui-ci agit en quali-té de mandataire d’un tiers. Si le montant dàchat nèst pas régler dans le délai convenu, SINCONA AG peut an-nuler làchat. Les organisateurs sont aussi en droit de refuser des offres sans en expliquer les raisons. Un ordre donné à la vente ou par écrit implique la reconnaissance intégrale des conditions de la vente. Les ordres plus bas de nos estimations ne seront pas pris en considération. Les ordres d’achats écrits seront exécutés avec soin par les organisateurs de la vente. Néanmoins, ils ne peuvent être considérés avec certitude que 24 heures avant le commencement de la vente. Les organisateurs de la vente sont autorisés à s’écarter de l’ordre prévu dans le catalogue et de grouper les nu-méros. Les lots ne peuvent pas être séparés. En cas de différend sur un lot, le lot serait à nouveau passé aux enchères. La vente aux enchères s'effectuera en langues allemande et quelque fois en anglaise. Après paiement, nous effectuerons l’envoi des monnaies adjugées aussi vite que possible, aux frais, risques et périls de l’acheteur. Le transfert de propriété n’est effectif qu’au moment où le prix d’achat est payé intégrale-ment. Toutes les taxes perçues à l’étranger telles que droits de douane et impôts sont par conséquent entièrement à la charge de l’acheteur. L’observation des prescriptions de douane, de changes etc., valables à l’étranger, incombe à l’acheteur. Les organisateurs de la vente déclinent toute responsabilité pour les suites éventuelles résultant de la non-observation de ces prescriptions. L'authenticité des monnaies est garantie. La description ainsi que l’état de conservation de chaque monnaie ont été rigoureusement étudiés et sont donnés en toute science et conscience. Des réclamations justifiées ne peuvent être prises en considération que dans les huit jours après la vente aux en-chères. La garantie dàuthenticité expire si les monnaies en "SLABS" sont ouverts. Les acquéreurs présents aux enchères seront censés acheter les lots tels qu’ils les auront vus et ne pourront faire valoir de réclamation, au demeurant immédiate, qu’à propos de défauts graves passés inaperçus. Les enchérisseurs qui soumettent leurs offres par écrit auront le loisir de s’informer personnellement, ou par l’intermédiaire d’un représentant, de l’état des lots pendant les journées d’exposition. Aucune réclamation ne se-ra acceptée en cas de divergence de vue sur l’état de conservation d’un lot. Les lots de une pièce ou plus ne pourront donner lieu à aucune réclamation. L'offre téléphonique est seulement possible dans des cas exceptionnels et seulement pour des pièces avec une valeur d'estimation d'au moins CHF 3000.- et doit être annoncé au moins 48 heures avant le début de la vente aux enchères. Une offre inferieure à la hauteur de l'estimation ne sera pas prise en considération. Le catalogue publié sur l'internet est seulement informatif. La version imprimée est déterminante. Le lieu de paiement et le for en cas de litige entre les organisateurs et l’acquéreur sont à Zurich. En outre, sont applicables, les conditions de vente aux enchères ordinairement en usage à Zurich. Le commis-saire-priseur responsable est un fonctionnaire de la SINCONA AG. Les actes du commissaire-priseur n'entraînent aucune responsabilité de la part du fonctionnaire municipale qui prête son concours à la vente, ni de celle de la commune ou de l'Etat. Ces conditions existent en langues allemande, française, russe et anglaise, la version allemande faisant foi en cas de divergence.

5

Zeittafel Ordre de vacations Time table

Besichtigung Exposition On view

Montag, 24. Oktober 2011

Vormittag 10.00-12.00 Nummern 1- 270 Nachmittag 14.00-18.30 Nummern 271-932

Dienstag, 25. Oktober 2011

Vormittag 9.30-12.00 Nummern 933- 1278 Nachmittag 14.00-18.30 Nummern 3001-3591 Nummern 4001-4201

Montag, 31. Oktober 2011

Nachmittag 14.00-18.30 Nummern 4251-4926

Dienstag, 01. November 2011

Vormittag 09.30-12.00 Nummern 4927-5376 Nachmittag 14.00-18.30 Nummern 5377-6159

Die Münzen können an den folgenden Arbeitstagen, jeweils zwischen 9.00-11.30 Uhr und 14.00-16.00 Uhr besichtigt werden: 17. Oktober 2011 - 21. Oktober 2011

Besichtung nur gegen Voranmeldung: 24.-25. Oktober 2011

sowie 31. Oktober und 1. November 2011

SINCONA AG, 8001 Zürich, Pelikanstrasse 11 Telefon +41-44 215 10 90 Keine Besichtigung im Auktionssaal möglich! Private Besichtigungen können über Telefon +41-44-215 10 90 vereinbart werden.

Erhaltungsgrade:

Polierte Platte Stempelglanz (FDC) Vorzüglich Sehr schön Schön Sehr gut erhalten Gut erhalten Münzen in Behältnissen von PCGS, NGC und anderen gemäss zertifizierter Erhaltung

Grades of preservation:

Proof

Uncirculated Extremely fine Very fine Fine Very good Good Coins in slabs of PCGS, NGC and others according certified quality

Degrés de conservation:

Flan bruni Fleur de coin Superbe Très beau Beau Très bien conservé Bien conservé Pièces dans les slabs de PCGS, NGC et autres d‘ après la qualité

Gradi di conservatione:

Fondo specchio Fior di conio Splendido Bellissimo Molto bello Bello Buono Monete in slabs da PCGS, NGC ed altri secondo la qualità

SINCONA AG

Pelikanstrasse 11

CH-8001 Zürich

Telefon +41-(0)44 - 215 10 90

Telefax +41-(0)44 - 215 10 99

[email protected]

www.sincona.com

6

© 2011 SINCONA AG, Zürich

3001 3002 30123013 30153014

3016 3032 30423041 3043

3044 3058 3068 3069 3071

3074 3075 3076 30773079

3080 3081 3083 3096 3099

3103 3104 3106 3109 3112 3121

3124 3125 3126 3127 3129 3149

3150 31513152

3153 3154

3156 315931573160 3161

31633162 3166 3167 3169

3170 3174

31953186 3194

31963197

3198 31993200 3201

32023205 3223 3236 3251 3252

3253 3257 3258 3259 3260

32623265

32643268

3267

3280 33143292 33153318

3319 33313325 3326 3332

3333 3336 3338 33473354

3355

3356 33573359 3360 3361

3366

3362

3363 3364 3367 3370

33713372 3374

3375 3376

33773378 3379

3380 3381

3383 3384 3385 3386 3387

3390

3391 3392 3393 3394 3395

33963397 3400

3401

3403

3404

3405 3406 3407 3409 3410

3411 3412 3413 3415 3416

341734183419 3420 3421

3422 34233427

3425

3429 34303435 3436 3437

3438

3426

3439 3440 3441 3442 3444 3445

3446 34473448 3450

3452 3453

3454 3455

3459 3456

3457

3458

3460 34613462

34633464

34663465 3467

34683469

3473

3474 3475 34763477

3492

3493 3494 3495 3496 3499

3502 3503

3504

3505

3506 3507

3508 3509

35103511

3512

3513

3514 3517

3518

35203521

3525

3528

3530 3531

3532

3533

35343535

35363537 3538

3539

35193523

14

Some remarks to this collection

It is always a sad duty to catalogue the collection of a collector whom one has known for many years and who has now left us forever.

He wished to remain anonymous and I have, of course, respected his desire. However, I would like to say a few words to his person and to the collection in general. I had the privilege to make his acquaintance in 1986, shortly after I had come to Switzerland from Germany. He, himself, had spent many years abroad in some very exotic locations. His love of numismatics extended to the coinage of Brazil, Greek portrait coins, the denarii of the Roman Republic and in the end to the Byzantine Empire. It is this field of collecting that fascinated him. He often told me: “Where else can I purchase a beautiful ancient gold coin for 300 to 1000 Francs”.

The earlier and middle time period of the Byzantine Empire and its coinage interested him more than the later scyphate issues. He actually tried to collect all officina letters of the various emissions, and of course all the other Byzantine mints besides Constantinople. Who knows how extensive his collection would have been if he had started it as a young man instead of in retirement.

One thing that he laid great value on was the quality of the coins. The reader of the catalogue will see that the large majority of coins is in conservation extremely fine or better. He enjoyed shifting his coins in his collection as it grew and to read the history behind the men (and women) who issued these.

What I learned in writing this catalogue was that numerous pieces were misdescribed, misattributed or mis-cited in the auction catalogues that offered them for sale. Reading the legends is difficult and sometimes impossible, but often the coin itself was not described, the reference text was written and the coin had to fit the description – basta! I hope that I myself am not guilty of such errors in this catalogue.

I have used the letter G in my descriptions of the legends, even when this letter has been corrupted to a C or just a stroke of the engravers tool. It seemed to me that this was the intent of the engraver and I tried to keep a certain steady line in order to avoid confusion. The letter D at the beginning of the obverse legends also comes in numerous varieties of depiction. I did not want to type a Latin D for every form of this letter in the description and have tried to render the legend as faithfully as possible with the tools at hand. Otherwise I have also tried to portray the legends as they are on the coins, but this is difficult as many letters or symbols are not available on the normal word programs and I wrote an auction catalogue and not a new book on Byzantine coinage.

Nevertheless I hope this catalogue will remind us of a passionate collector, a friendly and interesting individual and of someone who will be missed by his family, myself, and the numismatic community.

July 2011, L. N.-L.

15

ANASTASIUS I

IMPORTANT COLLECTION OF BYZANTINE COINS

Enlargements, as long as not otherwise mentioned, 1,5:1

ANASTASIUS I, 491-518

Anastasius was born ca. 430 AD in Dyrrhachium. He had a long and outstanding career in the civil service but was not in any actual position of power. However, he was a close advisor to the Empress Ariadne, wife of the Emperor Zeno. When Zeno died, leaving no designated successor in 491, Ariadne chose Anastasius to be the next emperor and married him. Although Anastasius was already over 60 when he became emperor, he lived until the age of ca. 88, outliving his younger wife who died in 515.

Anastasius was an able emperor and specially talented in the field of finance. At his death he supposedly left his successor 320’000 pounds of gold in the state treasury. This money was used by Justinian I for the re-conquest of great portions of the Roman Empire. Anastasius reformed the monetary system, introducing new bronze currency denominations. These were clearly marked in terms of the basic unit “nummus”. Gold and silver denominations remained unchanged.

The main difficulties he faced during his long reign were in the field of religion. He supported the “monophysite heresy”, which maintained that the nature of Christ was entirely divine. This was popular in the eastern provinces but not in the Byzantine heartland that professed the Chalcedonian Creed, Christ had a dual nature – divine and human. This even led to a major revolt by the master of soldiers Vitalian. Worship of the pagan gods was forcibly suppressed by Anastasius.

He had an uneasy relationship with the Germanic kingdoms in the West. The sovereign Visigothic King Theoderic ruled pro forma in the name of the Eastern emperor. Even the Merovingian Chlodwig I was an honorary Roman consul. In the East Anastasius battled the Sasanians, who defeated a Roman army of 50’000 men. However a peace was agreed upon which, though fragile, held some 20 years.

He died on July 10, 518 leaving no heir or designated successor.

Mint of Constantinople

3001

3001 Solidus 491/492. Officina I. Obv. D N ANASTAS – IO PERP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. No device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG I Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIBE 3a. S. 3. 4,42 g. Very rare. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gemini I New York. January 11, 2005. Lot 571 Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 50. Supposedly only the second specimen recorded (Gemini). 1500.-

16

ANASTASIUS I

3002

3002 Solidus 491/492. Officina I. Obv. D N ANASTAS – IVS PERP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG I Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3j var. MIBE 3a. S. 3. 4,48 g. Rare. Very slight double strike. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 132 Munich. November 27, 2006. Lot 571. 1000.-

3003

3003 Solidus 492/507. Officina A. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG A Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3a. MIBE 4a. S. 3. 4,51 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Heidelberger Münzhandlung 48 Heidelberg. November 15, 2007. Lot 275. 800.-

3004

3004 Solidus 492/507. Officina B. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR – I – A AVGGG B Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3b. MIBE 4a. S. 3. 4,42 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. 399 Frankfurt a. M. November 4, 2009. Lot 454. 800.-

17

ANASTASIUS I

3005

3005 Solidus 492/507. Officina Γ. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR – I – A AVGGG Γ Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3c. MIBE 4a. S. 3. 4,46 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Astarte Lugano. October 28, 1999. Lot 1290. 600.-

3006

3006 Solidus 492/507. Officina Δ. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR – I – A AVGGG Δ Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3d. MIBE 4a. S. 3. 4,35 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Leu Numismatik 91 Zurich. May 10, 2004. Lot 775. 500.-

3007

3007 Solidus 492/507. Officina ’. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR – I – A AVGGG ’ Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3e. MIBE 4a. S. 3. 4,48 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 132 Munich. November 27, 2006. Lot 572. 700.-

18

ANASTASIUS I

3008

3008 Solidus 492/507. Officina S. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR – I – A AVGGG S Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3f. MIBE 4a. S. 3. 4,46 g. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. May 7, 2006. Lot 276. 500.-

3009

3009 Solidus 492/507. Officina H. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG H Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3g. MIBE 4a. S. 3. 4,47 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 151 Munich. October 9, 2006. Lot 503. The officina letter H is somewhat unusually shaped. Almost an inverted Z. 750.-

3010

3010 Solidus 492/507. Officina Θ. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Θ Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3h. MIBE 4a. S. 3. 4,46 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 45 Zurich. September 15, 1998. Lot 1086. 400.-

19

ANASTASIUS I

3011

3011 Solidus 492/507. Officina I. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG I Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3i. MIBE 4a. S. 3. 4,41 g. Extremey fine. Ex Auction Münzen & Medaillen AG 86 Basel. Lot 238 Ex Auction Auctiones 11 Basel. 1980. Lot 563. 750.-

3012

3012 Solidus 492/507. Officina I. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Cross on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG I Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 4b. MIBE 4a. S. 3. 4,47 g. Scarce variety with cross on helmet. Uncirculated-almost uncirculated. Ex Auction Triton III New York. 1999. Lot 1292. 1500.-

3013

3013 Solidus 492/507. Officina I. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Cross on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG I Victory standing to l. holding long cross. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 4b. MIBE 4a. S. 3. 4,46 g. Scarce variety with cross on helmet. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 63 Zurich. September 6, 2005. Lot 484. 1200.-

20

ANASTASIUS I

3014

3014 Solidus 507/518. Officina A. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. No device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG A Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by Christogram with P inverted to l. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 6 (officina not listed). MIBE 6. S. 4. 4,49 g. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction Astarte Lugano. October 28, 1999. Lot 1292. 1200.-

3015

3015 Solidus 507/518. Officina Θ. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Circlet with trefoil on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Θ Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by l. headed Christogram. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 6b. MIBE 6a. S. 4. 4,42 g. Virtually as struck. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 40 Zurich. May 16, 2007. Lot 917. 1500.-

3016

3016 Solidus 507/518. Officina I. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. No device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG I Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by Christogram with P inverted to l. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 6 (officina not listed). MIBE 6 (officina not listed). S. 4 (officina not listed). 4,49 g. Slight die flaws. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Astarte Lugano. October 28, 1999. Lot 1291. 1000.-

21

ANASTASIUS I

3017

3017 Solidus 507/518. Officina A. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil and circlet device on helmet. Rev. VICTOR - I – A AVGGG A Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram with P inverted to l. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7a. MIBE 7. S. 5. 4,38 g. Extremely fine. Ex private purchase 2000. 400.-

3018

3018 Solidus 507/518. Officina B. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG B Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram with P inverted to l. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7b. MIBE 7. S. 5. 4,48 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 132. November 27, 2006. Lot 577. 500.-

3019

3019 Solidus 507/518. Officina Γ. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Γ Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram with P inverted to l. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7c. MIBE 7. S. 5. 4,43 g. Tiny die flaws. Uncirculated. Ex private purchase 2000 500.-

22

ANASTASIUS I

3020

3020 Solidus 507/518. Officina Δ. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. No device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Δ Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram with P inverted to l. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5 (officina not listed). MIBE 7. S. 5. 4,48 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 132. November 27, 2006. Lot 579. 500.-

3021

3021 Solidus 507/518. Officina ’. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG ’ Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram with P inverted to l. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7e var. MIBE 7. S. 5. 4,47 g. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 29, 1998. Lot 572. 400.-

3022

3022 Solidus 507/518. Officina S. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG S Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram with P inverted to l. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7f. MIBE 7. S. 5. 4,45 g. Extremely fine. Ex private purchase 2000. 600.-

23

ANASTASIUS I

3023

3023 Solidus 507/518. Officina Z. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI A AVGGG Z Victory standing to l., holding long staff surmounted by Christogram inverted. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7g.2. MIBE 7. S. 5. 4,47 g. Almost uncirculated-uncirculated. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 317. October 27, 2010. Lot 971. 800.-

3024

3024 Solidus 507/518. Officina H. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG H Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram with P inverted to l. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7g. MIBE 7. S. 5. 4,44 g. Broad flan. High relief. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny 151 Munich. October 9, 2006. Lot 509. 750.-

3025

3025 Solidus 507/518. Officina I. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG I Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram with P inverted to l. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7j. MIBE 7. S. 5. 4,28 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 52 Osnabrück. September 1999. Lot 3612. 500.-

24

ANASTASIUS I

Fractions

3026

3026 Semissis 492/507. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with pearl diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGGG Victory seated to r. on shield and cuirass, inscribing XXXX on shield set on knee. Star to l., inverted Staurogramcross on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 8. MIBE 9. S. 6. 2,05 g. Rare. Slightly buckled. Very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 124 Osnabrück. March 16, 2007. Lot 7695. 400.-

3027

3027 Semissis 507/518. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with pearl diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGGG Victory seated to r. on shield and cuirass, inscribing XXXX on shield set on knee. Star to l., Staurogramcross on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 9. MIBE 10. S. 7. 2,13 g. Rare. Almost extremely fine. 750.-

3028

3028 Tremissis 491/492. Obv. D N ANASTAS – IVS P’RP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with pearl diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM Victory advancing to r., looking l. Wreath in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 10b. MIBE 11. S. 8. 1,48 g. Very rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction Jean Elsen 101 Bruxelles. June 13, 2009. Lot 306. 800.-

25

ANASTASIUS I

3029

3029 Tremissis 492/518. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with pearl diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM Victory advancing to r., looking l. Wreath in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 10a. MIBE 12. S. 8. 1,48 g. Well centred and struck. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 181 Munich. October 12, 2009. Lot 2572. 500.-

30303030

30313031

3030 Tremissis 492/518. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with pearl diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM Victory advancing to r., looking l. Wreath in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 10a. MIBE 12. S. 8. 1,48 g. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 200. 200.-

3031 Tremissis (1/2 semissis ?) 492/518. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with pearl diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM Victory advancing to r., looking l. Wreath in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 10a. MIBE 12. S. 8. 0,96 g. Under weight! Fine. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 28, 2009. Lot 240. 100.-

Mint of Thessalonica

3032

3032 Solidus 492/518. Obv. D N ANASTA – SIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTOR - I – A AVGGG Victory standing to l. holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram with P inverted to l. Star on l. and r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 27. MIBE 15. Metcalf 260ff. var. S. 30. 4,37 g. Rare. Extremely fine. Ex SKA Monetarium Zurich. May 1992. 1500.-

26

JUSTINUS I

JUSTINUS I, 518-527

Justinus was born ca. 450 in Naissus in the province of Dacia to a peasant family. He made a career in the army, first rather unsuccessful in the war against the Sasanians, but had more fortune as an admiral in the war against the usurper Vitalian in 515, whereupon he was promoted to the command of the Palace Guards (excubitores). After the death of Anastasius he was raised on a shield by the Guard and proclaimed emperor.

The contemporary historian Procopius wrote of him “..a doddering old man, totally illiterate…uncouth to the extreme, utterly inarticulate and incredibly boorish”.

It has been generally assumed that he was under the domination of his brilliant nephew Petrus Sabbatius (Justinianus I) from the beginning of his reign. However closer historical studies do reveal a more complex image. Apparently he was quite able in the politics that led to his acclamation, relying on the army for his backing, and not untalented in intrigue.

His reign was marked by beginning uneasiness with the Germanic kings in the West. The Visigoths who supported Arianism began to see the Roman church as an ally of the Eastern Roman Emperor. He actively sought support and reconciliation with the Roman church, paving the way for support for an expansion of Byzantine influence in the West. In the East the peace with the Sasanians was broken but the war brought no decisive result.

He died on August 1, 527 leaving his nephew Justinianus I as his successor.


3033

3033 Solidus 518/522. Officina B. D N IVSTI - NVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI A AVGGG B Victory standing to l., holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram inverted. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 1a. MIBE 2. S. 55. 4,47 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 151 Munich. October 9, 2006. Lot 515. 750.-

27

JUSTINUS I

3034

3034 Solidus 518/522. Officina Γ. D N IVSTI - NVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. No device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI A AVGGG Γ Victory standing to l., holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram inverted. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 1b. MIBE 2.S. 55. 4,43 g. Uncirculated. Purchased privately 2000. 750.-

3035

3035 Solidus 518/522. Officina H. D N IVSTI - NVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI A AVGGG H Victory standing to l., holding long staff surmounted by Staurogram inverted. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 1f. MIBE 2. S. 55. 4,37 g. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction Heidelberger Münzhandlung 46 Heidelberg. November 9, 2006. Lot 29. 600.-

3036

3036 Solidus 522/527. Officina B. D N IVSTI - NVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with decoration on l. shoulder. Spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG B Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 2b. MIBE 3. S. 56. 4,47 g. High relief. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 151 Munich. October 9, 2006. Lot 514. 800.-

28

JUSTINUS I

3037

3037 Solidus 522/527. Officina ’. D N IVSTI - NVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with decoration on l. shoulder. Spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG ’ Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 2e. MIBE 3. S. 56. 4,45 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 128 Chicago. January 2001. Lot 42 600.-

3038

3038 Solidus 522/527. Officina H. D N IVSTI - NVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with decoration on l. shoulder. Spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. No device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG H Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 2 (officina not listed). MIBE 3. S. 56. 4,67 g. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 33 Zurich. April 6, 2006. Lot 640. 500.-

Fractions

3039

3039 Semissis 518/527. Obv. D N IVSTI – NVS PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGGG Victory seated on shield to r., inscribing shield with XXXX. Star on l. Staurogramcross on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3. MIBE 4. S. 57. 2,22 g. Good extremely fine. Purchased privately 2000. 300.-

29

JUSTINUS I

3040

3040 Tremissis 518/527. Obv. IVSTI – NVS PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with pearl diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA ΛVGVSTORVM Victory standing facing, head turned to l., holding wreath in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 4. MIBE 5. S. 58. 1,50 g. Perfectly centred on broad flan. Wonderful specimen. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 537. An unusual coin. Wonderfully struck and centred with a broad rim resembling the Langobardian issues. Definitely not a barbaric issue but still falling out of context with the usual Constantinople coins. Well worth some more scientific research. 750.-


3041

3041 Solidus 518/522. No officina. Obv. D N IVSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with decoration on l. shoulder. Spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Victory standing to l. holding long cross; star on r. and l. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIBE 6. Metcalf 271 (this specimen). S. 77A. 4,46 g. Very rare. Slight weak striking on obv. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk Chicago. June 1982. Lot 14. 1000.-

30

JUSTINUS I AND JUSTINIANUS I

JUSTINUS I AND JUSTINIANUS I, APRIL 4 – AUGUST 1, 527

Justinianus was named co-emperor by Justinus I on April 4, 527 in order to promote a smooth succession of power. Justinianus had already been named Caesar in 525 and made imperial policy in the name of his uncle in the latter part of his reign.


3042

3042 Solidus 527. Officina B. Obv. D N IVSTIN ’T IVSTINIAN PP AVG Justin on l. and Justinian on r., both nimbate, seated facing. Their hands clasped in front of breasts. Their r. knees advanced. Cross above between them. CONOB in exergue. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG B Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. W. E. Metcalf, The Joint Reign Gold of Justin I and Justinian I, ANSNS 17. New York 1988. 6. MIBE 1c. S. 115B. 4,46 g. Rare. Tiny marks on obv. Good very fine. Purchased directly from UBS AG 2000. 3000.-

3043

3043 Solidus 527. Officina I. Obv. D N IVSTIN ’T IVSTINIAN PP AVG Justin on l. and Justinian on r., both nimbate, seated facing. Each holding globe in his l. hand. Their l. knees advanced. Cross above between them. CONOB in exergue. Rev. VICTOR - I – A AVGGG I Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5 var. W. E. Metcalf, The Joint Reign Gold of Justin I and Justinian I, ANSNS 17. New York 1988. 1d, 24d (this coin). MIBE 1d. S. 120. 4,48 g. Rare. Tiny planchet fault on obv. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 784. Ex Auction Hess-Leu 41 Lucerne. April 24, 1969. Lot 734. 4000.-

31

JUSTINUS I AND JUSTINIANUS I

2:1

3044

3044 Solidus 527. Officina S. Obv. D N IVSTIN ’T IVSTINIAN PP AVG Both emperors nimbate, dressed in chlamys, seated facing on throne represented by uprights and cross bar. Each holds globe in l. hand, r. hand pressed to breast. Cross above and between them. CONOB in exergue. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG S Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3 (officina not listed). Metcalf 42a. MIBE 2c. S. 118 (officina not listed). 4,48 g. Very rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 180 Munich. October 12, 2009. Lot 479. 5000.-

32

JUSTINIANUS I

JUSTINIANUS I, 527-565

Perhaps the greatest of the Byzantine Emperors, Justinianus I already formulated imperial policy during the reign of his uncle Justinus I. His driving goal was to restore the former greatness of the Roman Empire as it had been under Trajan and Hadrian.

In the East he waged an on and off struggle with the Sasanians under their dynamic king Khusro I. who managed to pillage Antioch. At the same time he embarked on the re-conquest of the West. In surprisingly short time the Vandals were vanquished in North Africa which became a Byzantine province in 534. The war against the Goths was a different matter. It lasted from 535 until 553. Rome was taken three times by the Byzantines and twice by the Visigoths. Naples, Ravenna and Milan were all besieged and in the end, after the Byzantine victory, the Romans became just another Byzantine province, heavily taxed and the former senatorial aristocracy losing all power and wealth. In Spain the West Roman senator Liberius was able to conquer the south-eastern Iberic peninsula and it remained under Byzantine control for 80 years. All Mediterranean islands were also now under the rule of Constantinople and the Mediterranean was once more a “Roman lake”.

One of his major achievements was the codification of Roman law, the Codex Iustinianus, which was published in 533 and 534. He was also the builder of Christendom’s greatest church the Hagia Sophia, the most important architectural monument of late Antiquity. He rebuilt Antioch after the Sasanian conquest and a devastating earthquake. The monastery in the Sinai, the market gate of Miletus, buildings in Ephesus and many more architectural projects were initiated by the emperor. This could only be financed by heavy taxation and unrest in Constantinople led to the so called Nika-Revolt that was quelled at the cost of 30’000 lives. In religious matters he suppressed all pagan activities, even the Neoplatonic Academy in Athens was placed under state control. The Manicheans emigrated to Persia. The Jews were barely tolerated. The Orthodox Church sanctified Justinianus and his wife Theodora.

Procopius wrote that “it is not possible for man or God to determine how many lives were destroyed by this man”.

Numismatically interesting is that under Justinianus I the Empire maintained 15-17 mints, some only coining bronze: Constantinople, Thessalonica, Cherson, Nicomedia, Cyzicus, Antiochia, Alexandria, Carthage, Constantine in Numidia?, Rome, Ravenna, Perugia, a Sicilian mint in probably Syracuse, some uncertain Italian mint, Salona? and Carthagena?.

Justinianus left his heir an empire almost as great as the Roman Empire before the division, but at a costly price and on an already crumbling foundation.


3045

3045 Solidus 527/537. Officina A. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG A Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3a. MIBE 5. S. 137. 4,44 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 28, 2009. Lot 259. 400.-

33

JUSTINIANUS I

3046

3046 Solidus 527/537. Officina B. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG A Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3b. MIBE 5. S. 137 4,46 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Genevensis Geneva. November 18, 2002. Lot 160. (Erroneously classified as DOC 3a) 600.-

3047

3047 Solidus 527/537. Officina ’. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG ’ Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3e. MIBE 5. S. 137. 4,44 g. Tiny scratch. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 132 Munich. November 27, 2006. Lot 587. 400.-

3048

3048 Solidus 527/537. Officina Θ. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Θ Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3h. MIBE 5. S. 137. 4,42 g. Broad planchet. Mint clip. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 28, 2009. Lot 256. 400.-

34

JUSTINIANUS I

3049

3049 Solidus 537/542. Officina A. Obv. D N IVSTINI –ANVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG A Angel standing facing with long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 8 (officina unlisted). MIBE 6. S. 139. 4,47 g. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica Q Zurich. April 6, 2006. Lot 2091. 400.-

3050

3050 Solidus 537/542. Officina Γ. Obv. D N IVSTINI –ANVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Γ Angel standing facing with long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 8b. MIBE 6. S. 139. 4,36 g. Extremely fine-about extremely fine. Private purchase 2000. 400.-

3051

3051 Solidus 537/542. Officina Δ. Obv. D N IVSTINI –ANVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Δ Angel standing facing with long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 8c. MIBE 6. S. 139. 4,47 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 45 Zurich. September 15, 1998. Lot 1099. 500.-

35

JUSTINIANUS I

3052

3052 Solidus 537/542. Officina Z. Obv. D N IVSTINI –ANVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Z Angel standing facing with long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 8e. MIBE 6. S. 139. 4,38 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 107 Chicago. March 1999. Lot 21. 600.-

3053

3053 Solidus 537/542. Officina Θ. Obv. D N IVSTINI –ANVS PP AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Trefoil device on helmet. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Θ Angel standing facing with long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 8g. MIBE 6. S. 139. 4,46 g. Tiny scratch on rev. Double strike. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk Chicago. June 1982. Lot 15. 700.-

3054

3054 Solidus 542/565. Officina A. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG A Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogramstaff; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 9a. MIBE 7. S. 140. 4,49 g. Uncirculated-about uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 112 Chicago. January 2000. Lot 59 500.-

36

JUSTINIANUS I

3055

3055 Solidus 542/565. Officina B. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG B Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogramstaff; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 9b. MIBE 7. S. 140. 4,36 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Frankfurter Münzhandlung 150 Frankfurt a. M. December 2, 1998. Lot 35. 300.-

3056

3056 Solidus 542/565. Officina Γ. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Γ Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogramstaff; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 9c. MIBE 7. S. 140. 4,37 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 109 Chicago. July 1999. Lot 54. 500.-

3057

3057 Solidus 542/565. Officina Δ. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Δ Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogramstaff; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 9d. MIBE 7. S. 140. 4,48 g. Almost uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 45 Zurich. September 15, 1998. Lot 1103. The style and fabric tends somewhat toward a western mint, possibly Sicily? 400.-

37

JUSTINIANUS I

3058

3058 Solidus 542/565. Officina ’. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG ’ Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogram; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 9e. MIBE 7. S. 140. 4,48 g. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 46 Zurich. April 2, 2008. Lot 756. 1000.-

3059

3059 Solidus 542/565. Officina Z. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Z Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogram; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 9g. MIBE 7. S. 140. 4,49 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik Munich. Auction 132. November 27, 2006. Lot 591. 500.-

3060

3060 Solidus 542/565. Officina H. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG H Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogramstaff; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 9h. MIBE 7. S. 140. 4,47 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 92 Munich. June 4, 1999. Lot 1242. 500.-

38

JUSTINIANUS I

3061

3061 Solidus 542/565. Officina Θ. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Θ Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogramstaff; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 9i. MIBE 7. S. 140. 4,50 g. Minor marks. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 40 Zurich. May 16, 2007. Lot 925. 500.-

3062

3062 Solidus 542/565. Officina Θ. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Θ Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogramstaff; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOP in exergue. DOC 9i var. MIBE 7. S. 140. 4,40 g. Some marks on rev. and rather weak strike. Otherwise uncirculated. Ex Müzhandlung Athina, Geneva. Bought during the Zurich Int. Coin Fair in Oerlikon 2001. The P instead of B in CONOB seems to be the result of poor die cutting and weak striking and has no other significance. 300.-

3063

3063 Solidus 542/565. Officina I. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG I Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogramstaff; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 9j. MIBE 7. S. 140. 4,44 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 211. 300.-

39

JUSTINIANUS I

Fractions

3064

3064 Semissis 527/552. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGGG Victory seated to r. on shield, inscribing numerals on shield resting on knee. Right headed Staurogramcross on r. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 17. MIBE 17. S. 143. 2,18 g. Broad planchet. Good very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 158 Osnabrück. September 28, 2009. Lot 621. 500.-

3065

3065 Semissis 527/552. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGGG Victory seated to r. on shield, inscribing numerals on shield resting on knee. Left headed Staurogramcross on r. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 18. MIBE 18. S. 144. 2,22 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 212. 150.-

3066

3066 Tremissis 527/565. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with pearl diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM Victory advancing to r., head turned l., holding wreath in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 19. MIBE 19. S. 145. 1,51 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 214. 150.-

40

JUSTINIANUS I


3067

3067 Solidus 527/542. No officina, Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with Pegasus device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Victory standing to l. holding long cross, star in l. and r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIBE 20. Metcalf 298ff. var. S. 173A. 4,20 g. Rare. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 135 Munich. May 21, 2007. Lot 975. (Here misdescribed as S. 173B). 150.-

3068

3068 Solidus 542/562. No officina. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with Pegasus device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand and globe without cross in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7 (Constantinople). Metcalf 318 (this coin). MIBE 22. S. 138 (Constantinople, but states that Hahn’s attribution to Thessalonica may be preferable). 4,40 g. Rare. Well centred and perfectly struck. Minor marks. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 2000. Lot 789. (While the citations are all correct, the coin is described in the text as angel holding staurogramstaff and globe cruciger. Neither apply.) Ex Auction Münzen & Medaillen AG 35, June 15, 1967. Lot 216. 1500.-

41

JUSTINIANUS I

3069

3069 Solidus 562/565. No officina. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield with Pegasus device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand and globe without cross in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7 (Constantinople). Metcalf 321ff. var. MIBE 22. S. 138 (Constantinople, but states that Hahn’s attribution to Thessalonica may be preferable). 4,49 g. Superb extremely fine. Ex Auction Triton III New York. December 1999. Lot 1298. Misdescribed in the Triton catalogue. MIBE 23 describes a coin with staurogram-topped staff in angel’s hand. Sear 173C does so as well). This coin features a plain long cross. 2000.-

Fractions

3070

3070 Tremissis 552/565. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with pearl diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM Victory advancing to r., head turned l. Wreath in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIBE 24b (obverse identical die). S. 173E. 1,44 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 133 Munich. October 11, 2004. Lot 568. The Thessalonica tremisses are only distinguishable from the issues of Constantinople by style. Luckily this specimen matched dies with a coin attributed to Thessalonica by Prof. Hahn. 400.-

42

JUSTINIANUS I

Mint of Carthage

3071

3071 Solidus 545/546. Indiction Θ. Obv. DN IVSTINI - ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, armoured bust facing. Star on breast. Globe cruciger with flayed cross ends in r. hand. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Θ Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 277d var. Cécile Morrison, Carthage: The Moneta Aurei -, in ANS NS 17, New York 1988. MIBE 25 var. S. 250 var. 4,41 g. Slight bend. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 101 Munich. March 6, 2000. Lot 1086. (the G&M text describes the coin with PF in the obv. legend. It is PP). An obverse bust with a star on the cuirass is apparently unpublished. All other indictional year Θ coins have the year recut over Z. This specimen clearly does not. 1000.-

3072

3072 Solidus 546/547. Indiction I. Obv. DN IVSTINI - ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, armoured bust facing. Globe cruciger with flayed cross ends in r. hand. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR - I – A AVGGG I Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 277e. Morrison 38 (rev. identical die). MIBE 25. S. 250. 4,46 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 1998. Lot 574. 600.-

43

JUSTINIANUS I

3073

3073 Solidus 547/548. Indiction IA. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with Pegasus device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG IA Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with cross; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 277a. Morrison 57ff. MIBE 25. S. 250. 4,38 g. Rare. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 132 Munich. November 27, 2006. Lot 589. 400.-

Mint of Rome

3074

3074 Solidus 537/542. Pseudo-Officina A. Obv. D N IVSTINIA – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, armoured bust facing, circlet with trefoil on helmet. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG A Angel with long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand standing facing. Star on r. ROMOB in exergue. DOC 319 var. MIB 28 var. S. 290 var. 4,45 g. Extremely rare, perhaps only 3-4 known of the type and perhaps the first with this obverse legend division. Slight bend. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 1998. Lot 575. All other known specimens have the obverse legend divided IVSTINI – ANVS. This is the first of solidi under Byzantine rule after the General Belisarius reconquered the city of Rome from the Visigothic king Witiges in 536. Undoubtedly the legend ROMOB was placed on the coin for its propagandistic value, proclaiming the reconquest of the Eternal City by its rightful owner, the emperor Justinian I. 6000.-

44

JUSTINIANUS I

3075

3075 Solidus 537/542. Mint sign R. Obv. D N IVSTINI - ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, armoured bust facing, circlet with trefoil on helmet. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG R Angel with long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand standing facing. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIBE 30. S. 288B. 4,41 g. Extremely rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Astarte VI Lugano. November 2000. Lot 596. 2500.-

3076

3076 Solidus 537/542. Mint sign R. Obv. D N IVSTINI - ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, armoured bust facing, circlet with trefoil on helmet. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG R Angel with long cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand standing facing. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIBE 30. S. 288B. 4,30 g. Extremely rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 21 Zurich. May 17, 2001. Lot 610. 2500.-

45

JUSTINIANUS I

3077

3077 Solidus 542/546. Officina A. Obv. D N IVSTINI - ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, armoured bust facing, circlet with trefoil on helmet. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG A Angel with long Staurogramcross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand standing facing. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. MIBE 34. Monte Judica Hoard 62 (this coin). S. 291. 4,48 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 107 Chicago. March 1999. Lot 22. (Berk states this is the specimen Monte Judica 64. It is Monte Judica 62.) 2000.-

3078

3078 Solidus 542/546. Officina A. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG A Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogram; in l. hand globe cruciger. Dot to the l. side of the angel’s head. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 320a var. MIBE 34 var. S. 291 var. 4,45 g. Extremely fine. Ex Athina, Geneva. Purchased at the Zurich International Coin Convention in Oerlikon November 2000. The small, neat portrait tends to support the assignment to the mint of Rome. The western mints seemed to have the more talented die cutters. However, some authorities have tended to assign such pieces to Constantinople. 500.-

46

JUSTINIANUS I

3079

3079 Solidus 542/546. Officina A. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, armoured bust facing; holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG A Angel standing facing, holding Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. No star in field. DOC -. MIBE N34. S. 291 var. 4,43 g. Slightly wavy. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 85. (The Sotheby’s cataloguer did not notice that there is no star in the field, nevertheless he wrote: “star in right field”. It is surprising how many Byzantine coins are described according to the book used and not the coin itself. 1000.-

3080

3080 Solidus 542/546. Officina Δ. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP G Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Δ Angel standing facing, in r. hand staff with Staurogram; in l. hand globe cruciger. Star in r. field. CONOI in exergue. DOC 320c2. MIBE 34 var. S. 291. 4,36 g. Marks on reverse. Good very fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 21 Zurich, May 17, 2001. Lot 611. 1000.-

47

JUSTINIANUS I

3081

3081 Solidus 542/546. Officina Θ. Obv. D N IVSTINI - ANVS PP AIC Helmeted, armoured bust facing; holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR – I – A AVCCC Θ Angel standing facing, holding Staurogramcross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 291. MIBE 34. Monte Judica Hoard 66 var. S. 291. 4,40 g. About uncirculated. Ex direct purchase UBS AG 1999. The Monte Judica specimen has a dot within the last C of the reverse legend. Apparently these dots are control signs of some kind and need to be interpreted further. 1000.-

Mint of Ravenna

3082

3082 Solidus 546/565. Officina or year Γ. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AV Helmeted, armoured bust facing; holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Γ Angel standing facing, holding Staurogramcross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB (B malformed) in exergue. DOC 333a. MIBE 37.7 (identical reverse die). S. 312. 4,38 g. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Athina S. A. Geneva. Purchased at the Zurich International Coin Fair in Oerlikon November 2000. 600.-

48

JUSTINIANUS I

3083

3083 Solidus 546/565. Officina or year S. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, armoured bust facing; holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR - I – A AVGGG S Angel standing facing, holding Staurogramcross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 333b var. MIBE 37. Monte Judica Hoard 68 (this specimen). S. 312. 4,48 g. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 89. 1000.-

Fractions

3084

3084 Tremissis c. 556/565. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AV Draped, cuirassed bust to r. with diadem. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORÈ Victory advancing to r., head to l., in r. hand wreath, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIBE 41. S. 312D. 1,48 g. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 15 Zurich. May 1999. Lot 574, 400.-

49

JUSTINIANUS I

Mint in Sicily

3085

3085 Solidus 557/559. Officina or year Z. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, armoured bust facing; holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR - I – A AVGGG z Angel standing facing, holding Staurogramcross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 333c (identical reverse die). MIBE NV37. S. 312 (Ravenna). 4,47 g. Good very fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich. May 15, 1999. Lot 573. NAC classified the coin according to the then available literature. In light of new research and publications it is now considered to be from a mint in Sicily. Note the engraver’s error and correction of the letter R (first engraved as P) in the reverse legend. The mint/year mark Z is unusually small. 700.-

3086

3086 Solidus 546/565. Officina or year Δ. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, armoured bust facing; holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Δ Angel standing facing, holding Staurogramcross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIBE NV37. S. 328D. 4,50 g. Slightly wavy and tiny marks. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 109 Chicago. July 1999. Lot 64. 600.-

50

JUSTINIANUS I

Ostrogothic Mint

3087

3087 Solidus 527/565. Officina I. Obv. D N IVSTINI – ANVS PP AVG Helmeted, armoured bust facing; holding globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG I Angel standing facing, holding plain cross in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. �ONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIBE -. S. 312A var. 4,53 g. Small marks. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 109 Chicago. July 1999. Lot 63. Ex Auction CNG 43. 1997. Lot 2662. Berk placed this coin under Ravenna and refers to another plain cross solidus described by M. D. O’Hara in Schweizer Münzblätter 26, 1976 pp. 82-83. However this piece varies in the officina, having an 8-pointed star and a retrograde C in CONOB. I feel more comfortable with placing this coin under an Ostrogothic mint, as did the CNG cataloguer. 500.-

Unidentified Barbaric Mint

3088

3088 Solidus. Barbaric Imitation. Obv. D H IVSTIHI – ANVS PP AVC Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Shield on l. shoulder; spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTOΛI – ΛΛVCCCII Angel standing facing, holding long cross in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. Star on r. COHOB in exergue. DOC -. MIBE -. S. -. 4,56 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 28, 2009. Lot 254. 300.-

51

JUSTINUS II

JUSTINUS II, 565-578

A nephew of Justinianus I, he was proclaimed emperor by portions of the Senate and the military. After assuming office, he was immediately faced with numerous problems. Though apparently wise in fiscal and administrative matters, he was not fortunate in dealing with the military problems on his borders. In 568 the Langobardians invaded Italy and most of the territory that had been gained by Justinianus I was lost. The eastern frontier became a war theatre again in 572 when the annual tribute of 300’000 solidi paid by the Byzantines to the Sasanians was discontinued. The war lasted until 576 when the Sasanians were defeated, but at the cost of troops being used that were direly needed in the West.

Since the beginning of 574 Justinus showed signs of mental illness and the General Flavius Tiberius Constantinus was named Caesar and effectively ran the government for Justinus. In September 578 he was raised to Augustus and was officially co-ruler until Justinus’ death in October.


3089

3089 Solidus 565/567. Officina Δ. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. In r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Δ Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned to r. Spear in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5 (officina not listed. MIB 1. S. 346. 4,34 g. From somewhat weak dies. Extremely fine. Ex private purchase 2000. 500.-

3090

3090 Solidus 565/567. Officina Z. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. In r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Z Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned to r. Spear in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. Star on l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5 (officina not listed). MIB 1. S. 346. 4,44 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. October 26, 2007. Lot 244. 500.-

52

JUSTINUS II

3091

3091 Solidus 567/568. Regnal year C. Officina Γ. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. In r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Γ. Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned to r. Spear in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. C on l. CONOB. in exergue. DOC 7. MIB 3b. S. 348. 4,42 g. Slight bend. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Heidelberger Münzhandlung 46 Heidelberg. Lot 103. Note the dots after the officina letter and CONOB on reverse. 750.-

3092

3092 Solidus 567/578. Officina ’. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. In r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG ’. Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned to r. Spear in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. CONOB in exergue. DOC 4d. MIB 4. S. 345. 4,41 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 27 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 222. 350.-

3093

3093 Solidus 567/578. Officina S. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. In r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Rev. VICTORI – A AYGGG S. Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned to r. Spear in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. CONOB in exergue. DOC 4d. MIB 4. S. 345. 4,49 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 102 Chicago. May 27, 1998. Lot 27. 400.-

53

JUSTINUS II

3094

3094 Solidus 567/578. Officina Z. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. In r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Z. Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned to r. Spear in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. CONOB in exergue. DOC 4f. MIB 4. S. 345. 4,50 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 45 Zurich. September 15, 1998. Lot 1118. 400.-

3095

3095 Solidus 567/578. Officina Z. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. In r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Z (inverted). Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned to r. Spear in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. CONOB in exergue. DOC 4f var. MIB 4. S. 345. 4,45 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk Chicago. February 15, 1983. Lot 22. 400.-

3096

3096 Solidus 567/578. Officina H. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. In r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG H Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned to r. Spear in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. CONOB in exergue. DOC 199. MIB 4. S. 345. 4,49 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 317 Zurich. October 27, 2010. Lot 980. 1000.-

54

JUSTINUS II

Fractions

3097

3097 Semissis 565/578. Obv. D N IVSTI – NVS PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGGG Victory seated to r., inscribing shield. Star on l., inverted Staurogram on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 12. MIB 10. S. 352. 2,13 g. Die flaw. Extremely fine-very fine. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. October 26, 2007. Lot 245. 200.-

3098

3098 Tremissis 565/578. Obv. D N IVSTI – NVS PP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with pearl diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM Victory advancing to r., head turned l.. In r. hand wreath, in l. hand globe cruciger. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 13. MIB 11a. S. 353. 1,44 g. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 109 Chicago. July 1999. Lot 67. 100.-


3099

3099 Solidus 567/578. No officina. Obv. D N IVSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding in r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned r., holding spear in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIB 16. Monte Judica Hoard 82 (this coin). Metcalf, Thessalonica 375 (this coin). S. 364D (this coin). 4,48 g. A splendid specimen. Virtually as struck. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 105. Ex Fixed Price List 434. Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel. June 1981. No. 21. 4000.-

55

JUSTINUS II

Mint of Theoupolis (Antioch)

3100

3100 Light weight solidus of 22 siliquae 567/578. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding in r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG ΘS Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned r., holding spear in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. OB+ in exergue. DOC 138. MIB 8. S. 376. 4,04 g. Rare. Good extremely fine-extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 45 Zurich. September 15, 1998. Lot 1123. 650.-

Mint of Alexandria

3101

3101 Solidus 565/567. Officina I Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding in r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VIC(TORI) – A AVGGG I Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned r., holding spear in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Cross in l. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 6 (Constantinople). MIB 13a. S. 347. 4,23 g. Uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 107 Chicago. March 1999. Lot 23. W. Hahn, MIB pp. 39-40, explains convincingly why this issue is minted in Alexandria and not in Constantinople. 700.-

56

JUSTINUS II

3102

3102 Solidus c. 567/578. Officina I. Obv. D N I – VSTI – IIVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding in r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VIC(TORI) – A AVGGG I Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned r., holding spear in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Cross with Staurogram in l. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 6 (Constantinople). MIB 14. S. 347A. 4,51 g. Good very fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 21 Zurich. May 17, 2001. Lot 613. 600.-

Mint of Carthage

3103

3103 Solidus 572/573. Indictional year S. Obv. D N IVSTI – NVS PP AV Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding in r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG S Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned r., holding spear in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 190d. Morrison 16. MIB 18b. S. 391. 4,46 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 55 Osnabrück. March 8, 2000. Lot 3325. The Künker cataloguer erroneously gives the indictional year as an officina. According to Morrison year 570/571. 1000.-

57

JUSTINUS II

3104

3104 Solidus 573/574. Indictional year Z. Obv. D N IVSTI – NVS PP AV Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding in r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Z Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned r., holding spear in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 190e. Morrison 18ff. var. MIB 18b. S. 391. 4,46 g. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 46 Chicago. December 16, 1986. Lot 192. According to Morrison year 571/572. 1000.-

3105

3105 Solidus 576/577. Indictional year I. Obv. D N I VSTI – NVS PP AV Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding in r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG I Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned r., holding spear in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 190d. Morrison 34ff. var. MIB 18b. S. 391, 4,31 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 109. According to Morrison year 574/575. 750.-

58

JUSTINUS II

Mint of Ravenna

3106

3106 Solidus 567/578. Officina Z. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding in r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Z (inverted) Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned r., holding spear in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 210a. MIB 20c. S. 407. 4,46 g. Splendid specimen on broad flan. Virtually as struck. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 15 Zurich. May 18, 1999. Lot 575. 1500.-

3107

3107 Solidus 567/578. Officina P. (Prima?) Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding in r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG P Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned r., holding spear in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 210b2 (identical dies). MIB 21. S. 407. 4,32 g. Slight bend. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica I Zurich. May 19, 1999. Lot 2429. The top bar of the B in CONOB is missing, thus making it seem like CONOH (listed as such in DOC). 500.-

59

JUSTINUS II

3108

3108 Solidus 567/578. Officina D. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding in r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG D Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned r., holding spear in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 210b1. MIB 21. S. 407. 4,31 g. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 15 Zurich. May 18, 1999. Lot 577. Whether there is really am officina mark D is rather doubtful. It seems more likely that the D is really a rather poorly cut P. 700.-

3109

3109 Solidus 567/578. Officina Θ or Φ. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding in r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Θ or Φ. Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned r., holding spear in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIB -. S. 407 var. 4,44 g. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 107 Chicago. March 1999. Lot 25. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 113. 800.-

60

JUSTINUS II

Fractions

3110

3110 Tremissis 567/578. Obv. D N IVSTI – NVS PP AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM Victory advancing r., head turned l., wreath in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB below. DOC 212. MIB 26. S. 410. 1,45 g. Perfectly centred on broad flan. Superb extremely fine. Ex Auction Astarte Zurich. May 11, 1998. Lot 358. 500.-

Mint in Sicily

3111

3111 Solidus 569/570. Indictional year Γ. Obv. D N I – VSTI – NVS PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing ; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. In r. hand globe surmounted by Victory with wreath. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG Γ Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned to r. Spear in r. hand, globe cruciger in left. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIB -. S. 416A. Hahn, “The Monte Judica Hoard” -. 4,39 g Extremely fine-almost extremely fine. Ex Marguerite Dennewald-Pescatore Collection. Auction Heidelberger Münzhandlung 46 Heidelberg. November 9, 2006. Lot 104. The allocation to a Sicilian mint is questionable. It may just as well be a regular issue of Constantinople. 500.-

61

TIBERIUS II CONSTANTINUS

TIBERIUS II CONSTANTINUS, 578-582

Tiberius Constantinus was a friend of Justinus II and commander of the imperial guard (comes excubitorum). He was already regent during the last four years of Justinus’ reign. In that time he was able to win a major victory against the Sasanians and so stabilize the eastern frontier. He was also able to strengthen Byzantine influence in North Africa but faced a major problem in the Balkans, where the city of Sirmium was lost to the Avars. Neither could he protect Italy, which was left to fend for itself.

He was popular because of tax reductions and great generosity but always a sick man. A day before his death he selected Maurice Tiberius, also comes excubitorum, as his successor.


3112

3112 Solidus 579. Commemorating his consulship in January of that year. Obv. CONSTANT A – ×G ×I× FELIX Crowned bust with pendilia facing, wearing consular robes, holding mappa in r. hand and eagle sceptre surmounted by cross in l. hand. Rev. ×ICTOR TI – b’RI A× Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC 2 var. MIB 2. S. 420. 4,48 g. Rare. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. 1998. Lot 122. The obverse inscription reads: “Constantinus Augustus Vivat Felix”. 1500.-

3113

3113 Solidus 578/582. Officina A. Obv. dM TIb CONS - TANT PP AVG Crowned and cuirassed bust facing. Crown elaborate with pendilia. On l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG A Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC 4a. MIB 4. S. 422. 4,39 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. 2007. Lot 385. 500.-

62


3114

3114 Solidus 578/582. Officina Δ. Obv. dM TIb CONS - TΔNT ΔVG Crowned and cuirassed bust facing. Crown elaborate with pendilia. On l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORI – Δ ΔVGG Δ Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC 4d. MIB 4. S. 422. 4,30 g. Slightly wavy. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 225. 400.-

3115

3115 Solidus 578/582. Officina ’. Obv. dM TIb CONS - TANT PP AVG Crowned and cuirassed bust facing. Crown elaborate with pendilia. On l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG ’ Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC 4e. MIB 4. S. 422. 4,47 g. Lines on rev. Uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 229. 450.-

3116

3116 Solidus . Officina Z. Obv. dM TIb CONS - TANT PP AVG Crowned and cuirassed bust facing. Crown elaborate with pendilia. On l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Z Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC 4g. MIB 4. S. 422. 4,33 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 228. 500.-

63


3117

3117 Solidus 578/582. Officina Θ. Obv. dM TIb CONS - TANT PP AVG Crowned and cuirassed bust facing. Crown elaborate with pendilia. On l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Θ Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC 4i. MIB 4. S. 422. 4,43 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. February 29, 2000. Lot 462. 500.-

3118

3118 Solidus 578/582. Officina I. Obv. dƒ TIb CONS - TANT PP AVG Crowned and cuirassed bust facing. Crown elaborate with pendilia. On l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG I Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC 4j. MIB 4. S. 422. 4,43 g. Tiny planchet fault on rev. Uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 232. 400.-

Fractions

3119

3119 Tremissis 578/582. Obv. DM COSTANTINVS PP AG Draped and cuirassed bust to r. with diadem. Rev. ×ICTOR TIb’RI Λ×G Cross potent. DOC 7. MIB 9b. S. 425. 1,49 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 28, 2009. Lot 273. 250.-

64


3120

3120 Tremissis 578/582. Obv. DM COSTANTINVS PP AG Draped and cuirassed bust to r. with diadem. Rev. ×ICTOR TIb’RI Λ×G Cross potent. DOC 7. MIB 9b. S. 425. 1,48 g. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 101 Munich. March 6, 2000. Lot 1099. 200.-


3121

3121 Light weight solidus of 22 siliquae 578/582. Obv. dM TIb CONS – TANT PP AVG Crowned and cuirassed bust facing. Crown elaborate with pendilia. On l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG ΘS Cross potent on four steps. OB+ below. DOC 38. MIB 5 (Constantinople). S. 446. 4,10 g. Rare. Tiny edge nicks. Uncirculated. Ex Marguerite Dennewald-Pescatore Collection. Auction Heidelberger Münzhandlung 46 Heidelberg. November 9, 2006. Lot 127. 1200.-

3122

3122 Light weight solidus of 22 siliquae 578/582. Obv. (dM) TIb CONS – TANT PP AVG Crowned and cuirassed bust facing. Crown elaborate with pendilia. On l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG ΘS Cross potent on four steps. OB+ below. DOC 38. MIB 5 (Constantinople). S. 446. 4,08 g. Rare. Unevenly struck. Almost extremely fine. Ex Harlan Berk Chicago 750.-

65


Mint of Carthage

3123

3123 Solidus 580. Regnal year Γ. Obv. D – N TIb CONS – TANT PP AV Armoured bust with elaborate crown and pendilia facing. Cross over circlet on crown. Globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Γ Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC 58a. MIB 12a. S. 462. 3,66 g. Has been shaved. Otherwise uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 107 Chicago. March 1999. Lot 27. 400.-

3124

3124 Solidus 580. Regnal year S. Obv. (D – M) TIb CONS – TANT PP AV Armoured bust with elaborate crown and pendilia facing. Cross over circlet on crown. Globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG S Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC 58b. MIB 13. S. 462. 4,44 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 55 Osnabrück. March 8, 2000. Lot 3326. 800.-

66


Mint of Rome

3125

3125 Solidus 581. Regnal year Δ. D ƒ TIB CONS – TΔNT PP ΔVG Armoured bust with crown and pendilia facing. Cross over circlet on crown. Globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – Δ ΔVGG Δ Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC -. MIBEC NNN14. S. -. 4,43 g. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1988. Lot 133. Ex Auction Bonham’s London. December 3, 1980. Lot 59. This type had been previously assigned to Ravenna. The problematic use of the Greek Delta as a latin A in the inscription leads to some question of whether the year is a Δ = 4 or an A = 1. See MIBEC pp. 38-39. 1500.-

3126

3126 Solidus 582. Regnal year Π (penta=5). D ƒ TIB CONS – TΔNT PP ΔVG Armoured bust with crown and pendilia facing. Cross over circlet on crown. Globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Π Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB NNN14. S. -. 4,44 g. Very rare. Cabinet piece. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 2000. Lot 797. Ex Auction Gerhard Hirsch 55 Munich. December 12, 1967. Lot 3001. In the new edition of MIB, “Money of the Incipient Byzantine Empire Continued”, published in 2009, this issue is definitely placed under Rome. 2000.-

67


3127

3127 Solidus 582. Regnal year Π (penta=5). D ƒ TIB CONS – TΔNT PP ΔVG Armoured bust with crown and pendilia facing. Cross over circlet on crown. Globe cruciger in r. hand, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – Δ ΔVGG Π Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB NNN14. S. -. 4,25 g. Very rare. Extremely fine Ex Auction F. R. Künker 97 Osnabrück. March 2, 2005. Lot 2058. 1000.-

Mint of Ravenna

Fractions

3128

3128 Tremissis 578/582. Obv. D ƒ COSTAN – TINVS PP AV Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. ×ICTOR TIb’RI AV Cross potent over CONOB. DOC 64. MIB 17. S. 470. 1,51 g. Splendid specimen. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Bank Leu 75 Zurich. October 1999. Lot 1627. 500.-

68

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS, 582-602

Born 539 AD in Arabissos/Cappadocia, Mauricius Tiberius made a career in the army, becoming comes excubitorum in 582 and married the emperor’s daughter Constantia. After his accession he brought the Persian War to a satisfactory conclusion, practically allying himself with Khusru II whom he had sponsored and supported in his bid for the Sasanian throne. In the Balkans he was able to stem the tide of Slav advance and made the Danube the Empire’s northern frontier. He formed the Exarchates of Ravenna and Carthago, giving the Exarchs practically free hand. This policy led to success in their battles against local tribes and brought decades of peace to the province of Africa and in Italy he extended Byzantine power to the Apennines.

Nevertheless his rule became increasingly unpopular. He cut army pay by 25% and refused to ransom 12’000 Byzantine soldiers held captive by the Awars who then slaughtered them. The final straw was in the winter of 602, when instead of calling back his army from the North to winter quarters, he commanded them to remain on the front. An officer named Phocas was proclaimed emperor by the troops. Fleeing across the Bosporus he was overtaken and he and his sons were brutally murdered.

The historian Norwich wrote “Had he allowed his soldiers only a little more bread; or his people just a few more circuses, he could easily have escaped the fate he was called upon to suffer.”


3129

3129 Solidus 582/583. Officina A. Obv. O N TIb’R ƒ – AVRIC PP AV Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, cross on helmet. In r. hand globe cruciger, on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG A Angel standing facing, in r. hand cross with Staurogram, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB below. DOC 3 (officina not listed). MIB 4a. S. 476 (officina not listed). 4,34 g. Very rare officina. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 101 Munich. March 6, 2000. Lot 1104. At the time of purchase the officina A was unedited. The first issues of Mauricius Tiberius have the obverse legend beginning with Tiberius Mauricius; this due to the recutting of old Tiberius Constantine dies. Probably leading to confusion in the populace as to who was depicted on the coin, it was quickly changed to Mauricius Tiberius within a year. Even careless numismatists sometimes do not detect the difference. 1000.-

69

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

3130

3130 Solidus 582/583. Officina B. Obv. O N TIb’R ƒ – AVRIC PP AV Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, cross on helmet. In r. hand globe cruciger, on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG B Angel standing facing, in r. hand cross with Staurogram, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB below. DOC 3a. MIB 4a. S. 476. 4,52 g. Double striking. Otherwise extremely fine-good extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 103 Chicago. July 1998. Lot 20. 400.-

3131

3131 Solidus 582/583. Officina S. Obv. O N TIb’R ƒ – AVRIC PP AV Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, cross on helmet. In r. hand globe cruciger, on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG S Angel standing facing, in r. hand cross with Staurogram, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB below. DOC 3 (officina not listed). MIB 4. S. 476. 4,35 g. Almost uncirculated-extremely fine. Purchased from UBS in 1998. 450.-

3132

3132 Solidus 582/583. Officina H. Obv. O N TIb’R ƒ – AVRIC PP AV Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, cross on helmet. In r. hand globe cruciger, on l. shoulder shield with horseman device. Rev. VICTORI – Δ ΔVGG H Angel standing facing, in r. hand cross with Staurogram, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB below. DOC 3b. MIB 4. S. 476. 4,40 g. Extremely fine-good very fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 107 Chicago. March 1999. Lot 29. 400.-

70

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

3133

3133 Solidus 583/602. Officina B. Obv. o N ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG B Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5b. MIB 6. S. 478. 4,37 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 239. 350.-

3134

3134 Solidus 583/602. Officina Δ. Obv. o N ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Δ Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5d. MIB 6. S. 478. 4,38 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 241. 400.-

3135

3135 Solidus 583/602. Officina ’. Obv. o N ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG ’ Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5e. MIB 6. S. 478. 4,37 g. Rev. planchet rough. Uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. February 29, 2000. Lot 463. 400.-

71

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

3136

3136 Solidus 583/602. Officina S. Obv. o N ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG S Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5f. MIB 6. S. 478. 4,49 g. Small planchet fault on rev. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 45 Zurich. September 15, 1998. Lot 1138. 400.-

3137

3137 Solidus 583/602. Officina H. Obv. o N ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG H Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5h. MIB 6. S. 478. 4,34 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 244. 400.-

3138

3138 Solidus 583/602. Officina Θ. Obv. o N ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Θ Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5i. MIB 6. S. 478. 4,47 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 59 Osnabrück. September 26, 2000. Lot 684. 500.-

72

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

3139

3139 Solidus 583/602. Officina B. Obv. o N ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG B Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. I in field on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 6 (officina not listed). MIB 10. S. 479. 4,46 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 45 Zurich. September 15, 1998. Lot 1145. 400.-

Light weight Solidi

3140

3140 Solidus of 23 siliquae 583/602. Officina H. Obv. o N ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG H Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star in field on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7g. MIB 11. S. 481. 4,29 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 101 Munich. March 6, 2000. Lot 1108. 500.-

Fractions

3141

3141 Semissis 583/602. Obv. � N ƒAVRC – CI PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Victory advancing to r., holding wreath in r, hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 12 var. MIB 17a. S. 485. 2,24 g. Rough reverse. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 55 Osnabrück. March 7, 2000. Lot 3332. 250.-

73

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

3142

3142 Semissis 583/602. Obv. D N ƒAVRI - CI PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTOR - IA AVGG Victory advancing to r., looking l., holding wreath in r, hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 12b. MIB 17a. S. 486. 1,90 g. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 47. September 14, 1999. Lot 249. 150.-

3143

3143 Semissis 583/602. Obv. D N ƒAVRI - CI PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTOR - IA AVGG Victory advancing to r., looking r., holding wreath in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 11. MIB 17b. S. 487. 2,21 g. Extremely fine-very fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 47. September 14, 1999. Lot 250. 150.-

3144

3144 Tremissis 583/602. Obv. D N TIB P - RI PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORI ƒAVRI AVG Cross potent over CONOB. DOC 14. MIB 20. S. 488. 1,48 g. Broad flan. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Münzen & Medaillen AG 86 Basel. April 1998. Lot 239. 250.-

74

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS


3145

3145 Solidus 583/602. Officina Δ. Obv. o N ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Δ Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 149b. MIB 6 (Constantinople). S. 524. 4,43 g. Thin scratch on rev. Extremely fine-very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 52 Osnabrück. September 1999. Lot 3623. 500.-

3146

3146 Solidus 583/602. Officina ’. Obv. o N ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG ’ Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 149c. MIB 6 (Constantinople). S. 524. 4,52 g. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction Frankfurter Münzhandlung 150 Frankfurt a. M. December 2, 1998. Lot 48. 300.-

3147

3147 Solidus 583/602. Officina S. Obv. o È ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG S Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 149b. MIB 6 (Constantinople). S. 524. 4,44 g. Rough dies. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 1998. Lot 580. 350.-

75

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

3148

3148 Solidus 583/602. Officina Θ. Obv. D N ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Θ Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 149f. MIB 6 (Constantinople). S. 524. 4,36 g. Scratch on obv. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 236. 300.-

Light Weight Solidi

3149

3149 Light weight solidus of 23 siliquae 583/4-602. Officina B. Obv. D È ƒAVRc – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Star in r. field. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG B Angel standing facing, Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 151. MIB 11. S. 528. 4,26 g. Rare. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 237. 800.-

3150

3150 Light weight solidus of 22 siliquae 583/4-602. Obv. O N MAVRC - TIb PP AVG Broad draped and cuirassed bust facing, wearing plumed helmet and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI A AVGG ΘS Angel standing facing, In r. hand staff with Staurogram , in l. hand plain globe. OB+ in exergue. DOC 151. MIB 13a. S. 529. 4,11 g. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 164 Munich. March 17, 2008. Lot 469. 1200.-

76

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

3151

3151 Light weight solidus of 22 siliquae 583/4-602. Obv. D N TIb’R ƒ – AVRIC PP AVG Crowned (helmet of diadems surmounted by cross) cuirassed bust facing. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder: globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI A AVGG ΘS Angel standing facing, In r. hand staff with Staurogram, in l. hand plain globe. OB+� in exergue. DOC -. MIB V12 (Constantinople). S. -. 4,04 g. Very rare. Irregular planchet. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 135 Munich. May 21, 2007. Lot 989. The Lanz cataloguer did not read the legend of the coin, instead writing ONMAVRIC TIbEPPAVI which is the usual legend. 1500.-

3152

3152 Light weight solidus of 20 siliquae 583/4-602. Officina B. Obv. D N MAVRC - TIb PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI A AVGG B Angel standing facing, In r. hand staff with Staurogram, in l. hand globe cruciger. OBXX in exergue. DOC -. MIB 14 (officina unlisted). S. 531 (officina not listed). 3,67 g. Of highest rarity, perhaps unique. Double striking. Extremely fine-almost extremely fine. Purchased directly from UBS AG. Only specimens with officina I are recorded in the available literature. 2500.-

77

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

Mint of Alexandria

3153

3153 Light weight solidus of 20 siliquae 586/587. Year ’. Obv. D N ƒAVRC – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTO(RI) – A AVGG ’ Angel standing facing, in r. hand Staurogramcross, in l. hand globe. CONXX in exergue. DOC 258. MIB 29. S. 574. 3,19 g. Extremely rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 103 Chicago. July 1998. Lot 25. DOC and Sear place this issue to the mint of Constantine in Numidia, but even so with reservation. Hahn corrects himself in MIBEC by removing this issue from a Sicilian mint and placing it under Alexandria. 2500.-

Mint of Carthage

3154

3154 Solidus 582/583. Indiction year A. Obv. d N TIb’R MAV – RIC PP AV AN A Crowned bust (helmet of pearls) topped by cross, with pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand; shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG A Angel standing facing, in r. hand Staurogramcross, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB in exergue. DOC 215. MIB 24. S. 547. 4,43 g. Rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 101 Munich. March 6, 2000. Lot 1112. 1000.-

78

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

3155

3155 Solidus 583/584. Indiction year B. Obv. � N ƒAVRIC – TIb PP AV AN B Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing. Pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG B Angel standing facing, in r. hand Staurogramcross, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB in exergue. DOC 217. MIB 25a. S. 548. 4,49 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 2000. Lot 802. 750.-

3156

3156 Solidus 585/586. Indiction year Δ. Obv. d N ƒAVRIC – TIb PP AV AN Δ Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing. Pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Δ Angel standing facing, in r. hand Staurogramcross, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB in exergue. DOC 218. MIB 25a. S. 548. 4,43 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 153. 1000.-

3157

3157 Solidus 586/587. Indiction year ’. Obv. D N ƒAVRIC – TIb PP AV AN ’ Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing. Pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG ’ Angel standing facing, in r. hand Staurogramcross, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB in exergue. DOC 219. MIB 25a. S. 548. 4,43 g. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 154. 1000.-

79

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

3158

3158 Solidus 590/591. Indiction year Θ. Obv. D N ƒAVRIT - b PP AV AN Θ Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing. Pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AV AGG N Θ Angel standing facing, in r. hand Staurogramcross, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB in exergue. DOC 223. MIB 25a. S. 548. 4,45 g. Uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction Argenor Numismatique Paris. April 1999. Lot 169. 750.-

3159

3159 Solidus 595/596. Indiction year IΔ. Obv. D N ƒAVRI –C T PP AN IΔ Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing. Pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AV AGG IΔ Angel standing facing, in r. hand Staurogramcross, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB in exergue. DOC 223. MIB 25b. S. 549. 4,50 g. Cabinet piece. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 107 Chicago. March 1999. Lot 37. Reduced module but full weight. This marks the begin of the small size Carthaginian coinage. 1000.-

80

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

Mint of Rome

3160

2:12:1

3160 Solidus 586/587. Regnal year P. Obv. D N ƒAVRC - TIb PP AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing. Pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AV AGG P Angel standing facing, in r. hand Staurogramcross, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIB 30. S. 584. 4,43 g. Extremely rare. A bit rough in the strike but otherwise about uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 49 Osnabrück. June 15, 1999. Lot 460. The Künker cataloguer errs in describing the regnal year P as an officina letter. No gold coins of Mauricius Tiberius from Rome carry officina letters. 4000.-

Mint of Ravenna

3161

3161 Solidus 586/587. Regnal year P. Obv. D N MΛVRC – TIb PP ΛVG Draped and cuirassed bust, facing, wearing helmet with diadem. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG P Angel standing facing; in r. hand staff with Staurogramcross, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB in exergue. DOC 285 (year not listed). MIB 39. S. 589. 4,52 g. Well centred on broad planchet. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 159 Munich. October 8, 2007. Lot 501. Sear lists numerous Greek letters as officinae. This has been disproven by Hahn in MICBEC in favour of regnal years. 1000.-

81

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

3162

3162 Solidus 589/590. Regnal year H. Obv. D N MΛVRC – TIb PP ΛVG Draped and cuirassed bust, facing, wearing helmet with diadem. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – Λ ΛVGG H Angel standing facing; in r. hand staff with Staurogramcross, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB in exergue. DOC 285d. MIB 38. S. 589. 4,47 g. A little blurred strike on reverse. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 158. 800.-

Fractions

3163

3163 Semissis 594/595?. Regnal year Γ. Obv. D N MΛVRC – TIb PP ΛVG Draped, cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORI - Λ ΛVGG Γ Victory advancing to r., head turned to l., holding wreath in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIB 48. S. 591A. 2,23 g. Very rare. Well centred and struck. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Astarte VI Lugano. November 2000. Lot 605. 750.-

82

MAURICIUS TIBERIUS

3164

3164 Tremissis 582-583/4. Obv. D N MAVRC – TIb PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. Victory advancing to r., looking l.; holding wreath in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star on r. CONOB in exergue. DOC 287. MIB 50. S. 592. 1,42 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 15 Zurich. May 1999. Lot 579. 400.-

Unknown Italian or Sicilian Mint

3165

3165 Solidus 582/602. Officina H. Obv. D N MAVRC – TIb PP AVG Helmeted, cuirassed and draped bust facing; globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – AAVGG H Angel standing facing; long staff surmounted by Christogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIB -. S. -. 4,46 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 107 Chicago. March 1999. Lot 38. Berk forcefully insists that this coin was “certainly not minted in Constantinople” and gives as a probable mint Sicily or an Italian city. The letter H appears as regnal year in Ravenna, but the style does not fit. Carthage also has H as a regnal/indictional year; but here too stylistically it does not seem feasible. Perhaps one must take into account that it may well be an issue of Constantinople. Die comparisons may shed further light on this question in the future. 750.-

83

PHOCAS

PHOCAS, 602-610

Perhaps the most maligned of Byzantine emperors, he was placed in the same category as Caligula, Elagabalus, Domitianus or Commodus. However, the historians who described his reign were of the time of Heraclius and had certainly reason to paint a black picture of Focas’ character.

While gaining some popularity through his tax cuts, he apparently instituted a “reign of terror” in Constantinople, eliminating all possible enemies. His relations with the Church in Rome were very friendly, so much so, that the last antique monument to be raised on the Forum was a column with a golden statue of the Eastern Emperor.

During his reign he neglected the frontiers and the Balkans were lost to the Awars and Slavs. The Sasanians drove into the eastern end of the empire under Khusru II, who had been an adopted son of the last emperor Mauricius Tiberius. Eventually the exarch of Carthage Heraclius and his son, also named Heraclius, saw the chance to depose this tyrant. In 608 a nephew of Heraclius, Niketas, conquered the province of Egypt. Heraclius the Younger moved into Sicily and from there to Cyprus. A counterattack by the forces of Phocas under Bonosus was long remembered for its cruelty in the East. But his entire army was defeated by Niketas in Egypt. In 610 Heraclius the Younger marched on Constantinople and the imperial guard deserted to him.

There is an historical anecdote to the capture and death of Phocas which may or may not be true. Brought as a captive before Heraclius, the latter asking him “Is this how you have ruled, wretch?” Phocas replied “And will you rule better?” This supposedly enraged Heraclius so much that he personally killed and decapitated him on the spot.

In all, his rule led to the end of the Eastern Empire’s hegemony over the remnants of the civilized world. The thus weakened structure was to crumble before the onslaught of the Arab invasions that were to come.


3166

3166 Pattern Solidus December 602. Officina I. Obv. O N FOCA’ – P’RP AVG Crowned, bearded bust facing; wearing consular robes. Crown with pendilia. Mappa in r. hand; cross in l. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVAVGG I Angel standing facing; long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 3. MIB 1 (Pattern). S. 622. 4,50 g. Extremely rare. Extremely fine. Ex Marguerite Dennewald-Pescatore Collection. Auction Heidelberger Münzhandlung 46 Heidelberg. November 9, 2006. Lot 171. Hahn in MIB places this issue in December 602 when it was assumed that Phocas would traditionally assume the office of Consul on January 1, 603. He, however, followed the example of Mauricius and assumed that office in December of 603 when numerous consular solidi were minted by many officinae; thus leaving this solidus of 602 as a “pattern”. 2500.-

84

PHOCAS

3167

3167 Solidus 602/603. Officina B. Obv. oN FOCA’ – P’RP AVG Crowned bust with pendilia, draped and cuirassed, facing. In l. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG B Angel standing facing, holding Staurogramstaff in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIB 4. S. 617B. 4,49 g. Rare. Extremely fine-almost extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 141 Munich. October 10, 2005. Lot 376. G&M err in attributing this coin to DOC 3 (consular type). This coin is not listed in DOC. Apparently a new obverse die of Focas was coupled with an old reverse die of Mauricius Tiberius. 1000.-

3168

3168 Solidus 603. Officina Γ. Obv. O N FOCAS - P’RP AVG Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown with pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Γ Angel standing facing; staff with Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. CONOB in exergue. DOC 1 (officina not listed). MIB 5. S. 616. 4,50 g. Broad edge. Uncirculated. Ex Marguerite Dennewald-Pescatore Collection. Auction Heidelberger Münzhandlung 46 Heidelberg. November 9, 2006. Lot 169. 600.-

85

PHOCAS

3169

3169 Solidus December 603. Officina Γ. Obv. O N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned bust in consular robes facing, holding mappa in r. hand and cross in l. hand. Crown without pendilia. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Γ Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 4 (officina Γ not listed). MIB 2. S. 623. 4,47 g. Rare. Bold, clear strike of neat style. Rev. slightly off-centre. Extremely fine-good very fine. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 163. 900.-

3170

3170 Solidus December 603. Officina ’. Obv. O N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned bust in consular robes facing, holding mappa in r. hand and cross in l. hand. Crown without pendilia. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG ’ Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 4 (officina ’ not listed). MIB 2. S. 623. 4,49 g. Rare. Slight double striking on rev. Almost uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction 11 Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich. April 1998. Lot 581. 1000.-

3171

3171 Solidus 603/607. Officina A. Obv. O N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown without pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG A Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5a. MIB 7. S. 618. 4,43 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 28, 2009. Lot 277. 500.-

86

PHOCAS

3172

3172 Solidus 603/607. Officina Γ. Obv. O N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown without pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTOR(I) – A AVGG Γ Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5c. MIB 7. S. 618. 4,42 g. Extremely fine Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 255. 350.-

3173

3173 Solidus 604/607. Officina Δ. Obv. O N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown without pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Δ Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5d. MIB 7. S. 618. 4,54 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 61 Zurich. September 14, 2004. Lot 4649. (Erroneously catalogued as MIB 9). 300.-

3174

3174 Solidus 603/607. Officina S. Obv. O N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown without pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG S Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5f. MIB 7. S. 618. 4,46 g. Perfectly centred and struck. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 539. 1000.-

87

PHOCAS

3175

3175 Solidus 603/607. Officina Z. Obv. O N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown without pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Z Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5g. MIB 7. S. 618. 4,49 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 64 Basel. January 24, 2006. 400.-

3176

3176 Solidus 603/607. Officina H. Obv. O N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown without pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG H Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 5h. MIB 7. S. 618. 4,33 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 180 Munich. October 12, 2009. Lot 486. 500.-

3177

3177 Solidus 607/609. Officina ’. Obv. d N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown without pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – A AVG× ’ Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 10e. MIB 9. S. 620. 4,49 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. May 7, 2006. Lot 278. The Tkalec cataloguer describes the coin as DOC 5e. MIB 7. Sear 618 which, of course, is not the case. 400.-

88

PHOCAS

3178

3178 Solidus 607/609. Officina ’. Obv. d N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown without pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – A AVG× ’ Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 10e. MIB 9. S. 620. 4,49 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 141 Munich. October 10, 2005. Lot 377. 600.-

3179

3179 Solidus 607/609. Officina Z. Obv. d N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown without pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – A AVG× Z Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 10g. MIB 9. S. 620. 4,39 g. Very fine. Purchased from Russo Sao Paulo in 1984. One of the first Byzantine coins purchased by the collector in Brazil. 300.-

3180

3180 Solidus 607/609. Officina I. Obv. d N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown without pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – A AVG× I Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 10j. MIB 9. S. 620. 4,46 g. Slightly off-centre. Extremely fine-very fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 102 Chicago. May 27, 1998. Lot 47. 300.-

89

PHOCAS

3181

3181 Solidus 607/609. Officina ’. Obv. d N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Crowned draped and cuirassed bust facing. Crown without pendilia. Cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA - AV× ’ Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. È in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 11a var. MIB 10b. S. 621. 4,49 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk Chicago. March 1982. Lot 14. 500.-

3182

3182 Solidus 607/609. Officina ’. Obv. d N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust, crowned, facing; cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AVG× ’ Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. È in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 11a. MIB 10b. S. 621. 4,45 g. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 136 Osnabrück. March 10, 2008. Lot 599. 700.-

3183

3183 Solidus 609/610. Officina ’. Obv. d NN FOCAS – P’RP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust, crowned, facing; cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AVG× ’ Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 10. MIB 11. S. 620. 4,44 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 136 Osnabrück. March 10, 2008. Lot 590. 500.-

90

PHOCAS

3184

3184 Solidus 609/610. Officina ’. Obv. d NN FOCAS – P’RP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust, crowned, facing; cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AVG× ’ Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 10. MIB 11. S. 620. 4,50 g. Uncirculated. Purchased privately 2000. 500.-

The Light Weight Solidi

3185

3185 Light weight solidus of 23 siliquae 603/607. Officina (Θ). Obv. O N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust, crowned, facing; in r. hand cross. Star in r. field. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG (Θ) Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 7b. MIB 14. S. 624. 4,26 g. Scarce. Some blurred striking. Extremely fine. Ex Auction 64 UBS Basel. January 24, 2006. Lot 302. 500.-

3186

3186 Light weight solidus of 20 siliquae 603/607. Officina A. Obv. O N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust, crowned, facing; in r. hand cross. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG A Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. OBXX in exergue. DOC 9a var. MIB 20. S. 628. 3,71 g. Rare. Uncirculated. Ex Monetarium Zurich. 1200.-

91

PHOCAS

3187

3187 Light weight solidus of 20 siliquae 607/609. Officina B. Obv. d N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust, crowned, facing; in r. hand cross. Rev. VICTORIA – AVG× B Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Staurogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. OBXX in exergue. DOC 14 var. MIB 21var. S. 629 (officina not listed). 3,73 g. Rare. Extremely fine-almost uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 180 Munich. October 12, 2009. Lot 488. 750.-

3188

3188 Light weight solidus of 23 siliquae 609/610. Officina ’. Obv. d N FOCAS – P’RP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust, crowned, facing; in r. hand cross. Star in r. field. Rev. VICTORIA – AVG× ’ Angel standing facing, long staff surmounted by Christogram in r. hand, globe cruciger in l. hand. Star in r. field. CONOB in exergue. DOC 12a. MIB 16. S. 625. 4,20 g. Good very fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 52 Zurich. October 7, 2009. Lot 689. 400.-

Fractions

3189

3189 Semissis 603/607. No officina. Obv. O N FOCA – S PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem, beardless, to r. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Victory advancing to r., head turned to l., with wreath in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 15. MIB 23a. S. 630. 2,18 g. Almost uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 260. 200.-

92

PHOCAS

3190

3190 Semissis 607/610. No officina. Obv. dN FOCAS – P’R AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem, beardless, to r. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Victory advancing to r., head facing, with wreath in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue DOC 16. MIB 25. S. 631. 2,21 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 1998. Lot 540 400.-

3191

3191 Tremissis 602/603. No officina legible. Obv. O N FOCA – ’ PP AV Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem, beardless, to r. Rev. VICTORI FOCAS (AVG) Cross potent. CONOB beneath. DOC 18var. MIB 26 var. S. 633 var. 1,45 g. Weaknesses on edge. Trace of bending. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 28, 2009. Lot 281. 150.-

3192

3192 Tremissis 603/607. No officina. Obv. O N FOCA – S PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem, beardless, to r. Rev. VICTORI FOCAS AVG Cross potent. CONOB beneath. DOC 18. MIB N26. S. 633. 1,45 g. Almost uncirculated, Ex Auction UBS 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 262. 200.-

93

PHOCAS

3193

3193 Tremissis 607/610. No officina. Obv. d N FOCAS - P’R AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem, beardless, to r. Rev. VICTORI FOCAS AV Cross potent. CONOB beneath. DOC 19.3. MIB 27. S. 634. 1,49 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismata Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 1998. Lot 583. 250.-


3194

3194 Solidus 604/605. Indictional year H (8). Obv. D M FOCA – ’ PERP AVG Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust facing. Pendilia on crown. Cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG H Angel standing facing; in r. hand long staff with Staurogram, in l. hand globe cruciger. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIB 3. S. 617A (Constantinople). 4,40 g. Rare. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Münzzentrum Rheinland 143 Solingen. April 16, 2008. Lot 856. In the new MIBEC Professor Hahn places this coin to the mint of Thessalonica. 1500.-

Mint of Carthage

3195

3195 Solidus with indictional year H (604/605). Obv. D N FOCAC – PERP AN H Crowned bust with pendilia, draped and cuirassed, facing; holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG H Angel standing facing, holding long staff with Staurogram in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 109 var. MIB 32. S. 681. 4,44 g. Rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction 1232 Spink New York. July 13, 2000. Lot 461. Ex Auction 12 Frank Sternberg, Zurich. November 18, 1982. Lot 916 1000.-

94

PHOCAS

3196

3196 Solidus with indictional year I (606/607). Obv. D N FOCAS – PERP AN I Crowned bust without pendilia, draped and cuirassed, facing; holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG I Angel standing facing, holding long staff with Staurogram in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIB 33. S. -. Grierson NC 1950, p. 67, 30 (unknown at the time). 4,46 g. Extremely rare variety. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 33 Zurich. April 6, 2006. Lot 647. Ex Auction Auctiones 15 Basel. 1985. Lot 850. 2000.-

Mint of Ravenna

3197

3197 Solidus c. 603/604. Regnal year B. Obv. D N FOCAS – PERP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust, crowned, facing. Crown with pendilia. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Heavy annular border. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG B Angel standing facing, holding long staff with Staurogram in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. Heavy annular border. DOC 124b. MIB 43.2. S. 697. 4,52 g. Rare. Perfectly centred. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 15 Zurich, May 1999. Lot 581. 2500.-

Fractions

3198

3198 Tremissis c. 604/605. Regnal year Γ. Obv. D N FOCAS – PERP AVG Γ Draped and cuirassed bust, bearded, to r. wearing diadem with cross. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVN Victory advancing, looking to l. and holding wreath in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star in r. field. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 51d. S. -. 1,47 g. Extremely rare. Perfectly centred. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 15 Zurich. May 1999. Lot 582. Astonishingly enough the NAC cataloguer failed to note or describe the letter Γ at the end of the obverse description. A regnal year on a tremissis of Carthage was then unedited. Professor Hahn has included this coin, of which perhaps only 3 are known, in the new MIBEC. 1000.-

95

PHOCAS

3199

3199 Tremissis c. 604/610. No regnal year. Obv. D N FOCAS – PERP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust, bearded, to r., wearing diadem with cross. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVN Victory advancing, looking to l. and holding wreath in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Star in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 129. MIB 51b. S. 701. 1,49 g. Rare. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Triton III New York. December 1999. Lot 1302. 800.-

Unknown Mint in the Balkans (Salona?)

3200

3200 Solidus 603/607. Obv. O N FOCAS - P’RP AVG Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust facing. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG’ Angel standing facing with staff surmounted by Christogram in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC -. MIB -. S. -. H. Berk, Roman Gold of the Medieval World (1986) 109 = Sotheby´s, New York 2.11.1998, An Important Private Collection of Byzantine Coins 182 (Thessalonika, Rev. identical die.). 4,47 g. Very rare. Well centred on wide planchet. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 159 Munich. October 8, 2007. Lot 502. G & M give no reason whatsoever for an attribution to the Balkans or Salona. Until more information concerning this issue has been obtained the place of minting must remain open. 2000.-

96

REVOLT OF THE HERACLII

REVOLT OF THE HERACLII, 608-610

The exarch of Carthage, Heraclius the Elder, together with his son Heraclius rebelled in 608 against the tyrannical usurper Phocas in Constantinople. With the help of nephew Niketas, Egypt was seized by the rebel forces and Heraclius the Younger moved from Carthage to Sicily and then on to Cyprus. From this base he launched his successful attack on Constantinople in 610.

Military Mint in Cyprus

3201

3201 Solidus 607/608. Indictional year IA. Obv. D N ’RACLIO CONSVLI BA Facing busts of Heraclius on l. and his father the Exarch Heraclius on r. Both bearded and wearing consular robes. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA CONSΛB IA Cross potent on four steps. COÈOB below. DOC 11 (Alexandria). MIB 3. S. 719 (Alexandria). 4,38 g. Of highest rarity. Rev. strike slightly weak. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk Chicago. September 1998. Lot 27. Ex Auction Frank Sternberg 18 Zurich. 1987. Lot 981. 10000.-

3202

3202 Tremissis Autumn/Winter 610. With title of Mauricius Tiberius. Obv. D N TIB’ – RI PP AV Draped and cuirassed bust of Mauricius Tiberius with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AV× Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 9. S. 721 note. 1,33 g. Of highest rarity. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Rauch 66 Vienna. October 2, 2000. Lot 454. 2500.-

97

HERACLIUS

HERACLIUS, 610-641

Acclaimed as the liberator from the tyranny of Phocas, Heraclius was faced with an almost disintegrated empire. Due to the negligence of Phocas the empire was beset by its enemies on all frontiers. The Sasanians conquered Syria, Judaea and finally in 619, Egypt, the corn chamber of the empire. The Slavs and Awars drove almost unhindered through the Balkans into Greece and as far as the Peloponnesus and the Greek Islands. The last Byzantine outposts in Spain fell to the Visigoths in 625.

In a final act of desperation Heraclius brought all his troops into one army and took the battle into the Persians’ homeland in 622. After six years of fighting, in which he often led his troops personally into battle, a change of fortune that was almost miraculous took place. He was able to totally defeat the Sasanians, destroy the Avar fleet and army before Constantinople and, to great rejoicing, return the Holy Cross to Jerusalem.

Heraclius instituted administrative reforms, forming so called “themes” or military districts as administrative divisions of the empire. The state was turned from a “Roman” empire into a “Greek” one. The official language was changed correspondingly.

Towards the end of his reign he was forced to witness the undoing of much of his success. The Muslim Arabs invaded Persia, then took Syria and Palestine in 639, followed by Egypt in 641. The Persians and Byzantines had bled themselves to such weakness that the upsurging forces of the Muslim Arabs found them easy prey.


3203

3203 Solidus 610/613. Officina I. Obv. dN N hERACLI – PER AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with short beard facing, wearing plumed helmet and holding cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA –AV×I Cross potent on two steps. CONOB below. DOC -, comp. 1b. MIB -, comp. 1a. S. 729 var. 4,41 g. Very rare variety. Uncirculated. Ex Auction 89 Gorny & Mosch Munich. Lot 542. The cataloguer in the G&M sale did not note that the obverse inscription ends with an abbreviated G. This variant seems unrecorded. 600.-

3204

3204 Solidus 610/613. Officina ’. Obv. dN N hERAC – LI PER AV Draped and cuirassed bust with short beard facing, wearing plumed helmet and holding cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA –AV× ’ Cross potent on two steps. CONOB below. DOC 1. MIB 1a. S. 729. 4,21 g. Uncirculated. Ex Tkalec 600.-

98

HERACLIUS

3205

3205 Solidus 610/613. No officina. Obv. dN N hERAC – LI PER AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with short beard facing, wearing plumed helmet and holding cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA –AV× Cross potent on two steps. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 1b. S. 729A. 4,38 g. Very rare emission. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 317 Zurich. October 27, 2010. Lot 994. 750.-

3206

3206 Solidus before 613. Officina ’. Obv. dN hERACLI – ×S PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with short beard facing, wearing plumed helmet and holding cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA –AV×’ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 3b. MIB 5. S. 731. 4,50 g. Almost uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction Frankfirter Münzhandlung 150 Frankfurt a. M. December 2, 1998. Lot 55. 400.-

3207

3207 Solidus before 613. Officina I. Obv. dN hERACLI – ×S PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with short beard facing, wearing plumed helmet and holding cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA –AV×I Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 3d. MIB 5. S. 731. 4,49 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 288. 400.-

99

HERACLIUS

3208

3208 Solidus before 613. Officina ’. Obv. dN hERACLI – ×S PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with short beard facing, wearing plumed helmet and holding cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA –AV×’ Cross potent on three steps. Letter N with small tail on r. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 6b. S. 732. 4,46 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. February 29, 2000. Lot 466. The Tkalec cataloguer erroneously describes the letter N as a star. 700.-

With Heraclius Constantinus.

3209

3209 Solidus 613/616. Officina Δ. Obv. ddNN H’RACLI×S ’T H’RA CONST PP AVG Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and elaborate crowns. Heraclius Constantinus is much smaller. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA - AV×Δ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 8d.2. MIB 8a. S. 734. 4,47 g. Double striking. Tiny planchet fault on rev. Interesting style. High relief. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 103 Chicago. July 1998. Lot 29. The Berk cataloguer describes the coin as being from Jerusalem or Cyprus. There seems to be no foundation for this assumption. All other coins attributed to Jerusalem mints do not carry officina letters. This is plainly the mint of Constantinople but with a somewhat unusual die. Also when compared to the coin on DOC plate VIII, 8g it is obvious that the obverse dies are identical. 500.-

100

HERACLIUS

3210

3210 Solidus 613/616. Officina illegible. Obv. ddNN H’RACLI×S ’T (H’RA CONST PP AVG) Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and elaborate crowns. Heraclius Constantinus is much smaller. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×(?) Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 8. MIB 8a. S. 734. 4,46 g. Uneven striking. Interesting style. High relief. Uncirculated. Ex Auction 103 Harlan Berk Chicago. July 1998. Lot 27 (Jerusalem or Cyprus) Again we cannot place this coin anywhere but Constantinople. 400.-

3211

3211 Solidus 613/616. Officina I. Obv. ddNN H’RACLI×S ’T HRA CONST PP AVΓ Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and elaborate crowns. Heraclius Constantinus is much smaller. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×I Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 8j4. MIB 8a. S. 734. 4,41g. Rev. slightly weak. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. February 29, 2000. Lot 467. Whether the last letter in the obverse legend is really a Greek Γ or a corrupted C (G) is open to speculation. 700.-

101

HERACLIUS

3212

3212 Solidus 613/616. Officina ’. Obv. ddNN H’(RACLI×S) ’T H’RA CONST PP AVG Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and elaborate crowns. Heraclius Constantinus is much smaller. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×’ Cross potent on three steps. N in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 9a. MIB 9. S. 736. 4,46g. Extremely fine-almost extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 158 Osnabrück. September 28, 2009. Lot 967. 600.-

3213

3213 Solidus 616/625. Officina ’. Obv. ddNN h’RACLI×S ’T hERA CONS(T PP AVG) Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Heraclius Constantinus is much smaller. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×’ Cross potent on three steps. Pellet in l. field. CONOB below. DOC 13 var. MIB 11 var. S. 738 var. 4,46 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 29 Zurich. May 11, 2005. Lot 689. A specimen with the dot in the left field of the reverse seems to be inedited. 500.-

102

HERACLIUS

3214

3214 Solidus 616/625. Officina I. Obv. ddNN h’RCOSN× ’T HAEOMS RΛNPEA Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Heraclius Constantinus is much smaller. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×I Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 13 var. MIB 11 var. S. 738 var. 4,48 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 141 Munich. October 10, 2005. Lot 380. Apparently an illiterate die cutter was entrusted with engraving the obverse legend. 400.-

3215

3215 Solidus 616/625. Officina ’. Obv. ddNN h’RACL(I×)S ’T hERA CONS(T PP AV) Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Heraclius Constantinus is much smaller. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×’ Cross potent on three steps. I in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 14d. MIB 14. S. 739. 4,40 g. Small die flaw on obv. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 181 Munich. October 12, 2009. Lot 2661. 300.-

3216

3216 Solidus 625/629. Officina A. Obv. ddNN h’RACLI×S ’T hERA CONST PP AV Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Both busts are of equal size. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× A Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 20a. MIB 21. S. 743. 4,51 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 314 Zurich. May 4, 2009. Lot 1673. 500.-

103

HERACLIUS

3217

3217 Solidus 625/629. Officina Z. Obv. ddNN h’RACLI×S ’T hERA CONST PP AV(G) Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Both busts are of equal size. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Z (Z inverted) Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 20g var. MIB 21. S. 743. 4,45 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 52 Osnabrück. September 1999. Lot 3628. 600.-

3218

3218 Solidus 625/629. Officina I. Obv. ddNN h’RACLI×S ’T hERA CONST PP V Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Both busts are of equal size. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× I Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 20h. MIB 21. S. 743. 4,48 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. April 2007. Lot 389. 500.-

3219

3219 Solidus 626/629. Officina IΘ. Obv. ddNN h’RACLI×S ’T hERA CONST PP AV(G) Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Both busts are of equal size. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× IΘ. Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 22c. MIB 26. S. 746. 4,55 g. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Argenor Paris. April 1999. Lot 172. 400.-

104

HERACLIUS

3220

3220 Solidus 629/632. Officina Γ. Obv. (ddNN h’RACLI)×S ’T hERA CONST PP AV Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Both busts are of equal size. Heraclius with long beard and moustache. Heraclius Constantinus with slight beard and moustache. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Γ. Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 26c. MIB 29. S. 749. 4,45 g. Slight uneven striking. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS 64 Base. January 24, 2006. Lot 311. 400.-

3221

3221 Solidus 629/632. Officina Θ. Obv. (ddNN h’RACLI×S) ’T hERA CONST PP Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Both busts are of equal size. Heraclius with long beard and moustache. Heraclius Constantinus with slight beard and moustache. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ. Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 26i. MIB 29. S. 749. 4,47 g. Slightly off-centre. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1989. Lot 552. There totally misdescribed as a solidus of Constans II and Constantinus IV. Reading the legible part of the obverse legend clearly indicates the name of Heraclius Constantinus. 400.-

3222

3222 Solidus 629/632. Officina Θ. Obv. ddNN h’RACLI×S ’T hERA CONST PP Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Both busts are of equal size. Heraclius with long beard and moustache. Heraclius Constantinus with slight beard and moustache. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ. Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 26i. MIB 29. S. 749. 4,47 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 27, 2009. Lot 287. 600.-

105

HERACLIUS

3223

3223 Solidus 629/632. Officina A. Obv. dd NN hERACLIYS ET hERA CONST PP Facing crowned busts of Heraclius, on l., with long beard and Heraclius Constantine, to r., with slight beard, both wearing chlamy. Rev. VICTORIA AVGYA Cross potent on 3 steps; in exergue, CONOB / T. DOC 29 (officina unlisted). MIB 34 (officina unlisted). S. 756 (officina unlisted). 4,46 g. Very rare variety. About extremely fine Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 56 Zurich. October 8, 2010. Lot 611. 800.-

With Heraclius Constantinus and Heraclonas.

3224

3224 Solidus 632/635. Officina A. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. small figure of bare-headed Heraclonas standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Cross in l. field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× A. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 3a. MIB 39. S. 758. 4,45 g. Broad irregular planchet. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 314 Zurich. May 4, 2009. Lot 1674. 750.-

106

HERACLIUS

3225

3225 Solidus 632/635. Officina Δ. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. small figure of bare-headed Heraclonas standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Cross in l. field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Δ. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 33 (officina not listed). MIB 39. S. 758. 4,39 g. Edge shaved. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction H. Berk 109, Chicago. July 1999. Lot 82. (Mint State) Ex Auction 7214 Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 209. (Good very fine) 400.-

3226

3226 Solidus 632/635. Officina Γ. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. small figure of bare-headed Heraclonas standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Cross in l. field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Γ. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 33 (officina not listed). MIB 39. S. 758. 4,43 g. Good extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS 47 Zurich, 14 September 1999. Lot 305. 500.-

107

HERACLIUS

3227

3227 Solidus 632/635. Officina Θ. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. small figure of bare-headed Heraclonas standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Cross in l. field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 33f. MIB 39. S. 758. 4,49 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 89 Osnabrück. March 8, 2004. Lot 2873, 650.-

3228

3228 Solidus 635/636. Officina ’. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of now Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. somewhat larger figure of bare-headed Heraclonas standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Cross in l. field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’ Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date Θ in r. field. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 40. S. 759. 4,47 g. Rare. Graffito Δ on rev. Good very fine. Ex Auction LHS Numismatik 103 Zurich. May 5, 2009. Lot 227. 400.-

108

HERACLIUS

3229

3229 Solidus 635/636. Officina Θ. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of now Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. somewhat larger figure of bare-headed Heraclonas standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Cross in l. field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date Θ in r. field. CONOB+ below. DOC 35 (officina not listed). MIB 41. S. 760. 4,36 g. Rare. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 168 Osnabrück. March 12, 2010. Lot 8047. 450.-

3230

3230 Solidus year 10 (636/637). Officina B. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of now Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. somewhat larger figure of bare-headed Heraclonas standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Cross in l. field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× B. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date I in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 36b. MIB 42. S. 761. 4,34 g. Good very fine. Purchased from Russo, Sao Paulo in 1986 300.-

109

HERACLIUS

3231

3231 Solidus year 10 (636/637). Officina H. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of now Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. somewhat larger figure of bare-headed Heraclonas standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Cross in l. field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× H. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date I in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 36 (officina not listed). MIB 42. S. 761. 4,49 g. Extremely fine. Purchased privately 2000. 400.-

3232

3232 Solidus year 10 (636/637). Officina Δ. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of now Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. somewhat larger figure of bare-headed Heraclonas standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Cross in l. field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Δ. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date I in r. field. CONOB+ below. DOC 37b. MIB 43. S. 762. 4,45 g. Tiny edge marks. Extremely fine. Ex Auction LHS Numismatik 103 Zurich. May 5, 2009. Lot 228. 400.-

110

HERACLIUS

3233

3233 Solidus year 12 (638/639). Officina B Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of crowned Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross in field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× B Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date A in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 39 (officina not listed). MIB 45. S. 764. 4,46 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 317 Zurich. October 27, 2010. Lot 1007. 600.-

3234

3234 Solidus year 12 (638/639). Officina B Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of crowned Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross in field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× B Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date A in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 39 (officina not listed). MIB 45. S. 764. 4,40 g. Very fine. Ex Auction Heidelberger Münzhandlung 46 Heidelberg. Lot 189. 200.-

111

HERACLIUS

3235

3235 Solidus year 12 (638/639). Officina Θ. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of crowned Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross in field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date A in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 39h. MIB 45. S. 764. 4,43 g. Extremely fine-almost uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 124 Osnabrück. March 16, 2007. Lot 7716. 500.-

3236

3236 Solidus beginning year 12 (638/639). Officina Z Obv. No legend. Standing figure of Heraclius, crowned with trefoil, facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller figure of Heraclius Constantinus, crowned with trefoil, standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of bare headed Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Cross in field above the head of Heraclonas. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Z Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date IB in r. field. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB -. S. -, cf. 767. 4,47 g. Rare. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Triton III New York. December 1999. Lot 1303. Interestingly enough the Triton cataloguer did not notice that the figure of Heraclonas is not crowned. He is bare-headed and a cross is in the field above his head and not part of any crown. The other figures do not display crowns with crosses but with trefoils. This variety seems to be unrecorded in the major catalogues. 800.-

112

HERACLIUS

3237

3237 Solidus year 12 (638/639). Officina A Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of crowned Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross in field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× A Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date IB in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 41a. MIB 48. S. 767. 4,48 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 314 Zurich. May 4, 2009. Lot 1675. 750.-

3238

3238 Solidus year 12 (638/639). Officina ’ Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of crowned Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross in field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’ Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date IB in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 41e. MIB 48. S. 767. 4,47 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 548. 500.-

113

HERACLIUS

3239

3239 Solidus year 12 (638/639). Officina Θ Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of crowned Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross in field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date IB in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 41 (officina not listed). MIB 48. S. 767. 4,45 g. Graffiti on rev. Uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 52, Osnabrück. September 1999. Lot 3631 (Graffiti not mentioned). 400.-

3240

3240 Solidus year 12 (638/639). Officina ’ Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of crowned Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross in field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field; date IB in r. field. CONOBΛ below. DOC 42 (officina not listed). MIB 49. S. 768. 4,45 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 151 Munich. October 9, 2006. Lot 523. 400.-

114

HERACLIUS

3241

3241 Solidus 639/641. Officina B. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of crowned Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross in field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× B. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field. CONOB below. DOC 43a. MIB 50. S. 769. 4,45 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. October 26, 2007. Lot 250. 500.-

3242

3242 Solidus 639/641. Officina B. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of crowned Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross in field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× B. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field. CONOB below. DOC 43d. MIB 50. S. 769. 4,40 g. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 108 Chicago. May 12, 1999. Lot 30. 400.-

115

HERACLIUS

3243

3243 Solidus July-November 641. Officina Z. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of crowned Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross in field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Z (inverted). Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field, ’ in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 44e. MIB 53. S. 770. 4,46 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 544. Hahn in Moneta Imperii Byzantini argues that this issue may well be the sole issue of the short-lived reign of Heraclonas. See also Sear p. 199. 500.-


3244

3244 Solidus of 23 siliquae 610/613. Officina ’. Obv. dN h’RACL – i×S PP AG Draped and cuirassed bust facing, wearing plumed helmet and holding cross in r. hand. Star in r. field. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 5a. MIB 54. S. 772. 4,24 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 102 Chicago. May 27, 1998. Lot 53. 700.-

116

HERACLIUS

3245

3245 Solidus of 20 siliquae 616/625. Officina I. Obv. (dd NN) h’RACL – (I×S) ’T h’RA (CONST) PP AVI Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Heraclius Constantinus is much smaller. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× I Cross potent on three steps. BOXX below. DOC 19g. MIB 65. S. 779. 3,70 g. Rare. Double striking. Some weaknesses. Almost extremely fine-very fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 181 Munich. October 12, 2009. Lot 2663 600.-

Fractions

3246

3246 Semissis 610/613. Officina ’. Obv. dN h’RACLI – ×S PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’ Cross potent on globe. DOC 51b. MIB 71a. S. 784. 2,20 g. Lustrous uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 545. 300.-

3247

3247 Semissis 610/613. No officina. Obv. dN h’RACLI – ×S PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Cross potent on globe. DOC 51a. MIB 71b. S. 784. 2,91 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 180 Munich. October 12, 2009. Lot 490. 300.-

117

HERACLIUS

3248

3248 Tremissis 610/613. No officina. Obv. dN h’RACLI – ×S PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 53d.I. MIB 73b. S. 786. 1,48 g. Lustrous uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 546. 250.-

3249

3249 Tremissis 613/641. Officina S. Obv. dN h’RACLI – ×S T PP AV Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×S Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 54. MIB 74. S. 787. 1,45 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Münzen & Medaillen Deutschland 6 Stuttgart. March 31, 2000. Lot 426. Prof. Grierson suggests that the letter S does not represent an officina and is a part of the abbreviated form of Augusti. 200.-

3250

3250 Tremissis 613/641. No officina. Obv. dN h’RACLI – ×S T PP AV Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 54 var. MIB 74. S. 787 var. 1,45 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica Q Zurich. 1997. Lot 2101. 200.-

118

HERACLIUS

Mint of Jerusalem

3251

3251 Solidus year 12 (607). Obv. D N h’RACLI – ×S PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust (Phocas) with pointed beard, facing and holding cross in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× IΠ Angel standing facing, holding long staff with Staurogram in r. hand and globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB in exergue. DOC 176 (Alexandria). MIB 76 (Cyprus). S. 850 (Jerusalem). 4,40 g. Extremely rare. About Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich. May 11, 1998. Lot 585. The mint used the dies of a Phocas solidus, re-engraving the legend for Heraclius. 5000.-

With Heraclius Constantinus

3252

3252 Solidus after 613. dd NN h’RACLI(×S ET h’RA CONST) PP AVG Facing, crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and smaller Heraclius Constantinus on r., both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Exergual line below. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× I Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 187 (Alexandria). MIB 77 (Cyprus). Sear 851. 4,46 g. Some flattening on the edges. Cabinet piece. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 136 Osnabrück. March 10, 2008. Lot 1441. 1000.-

119

HERACLIUS

3253

3253 Solidus 626/630. Obv. dd N(N h’RACLI×S ET h’RA CONST PP AVG) Facing, crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and smaller Heraclius Constantinus on r., both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× IX Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 187c (Alexandria). MIB 77 (Cyprus). S. 852. 4,44 g. Some flattening on the obv. legend side. Otherwise virtually as struck. Ex Auction Leu Numismatik 75, October 27, 1999. Lot 1632. Dr. Alan Walker writes : « These issues are quite controversial. Hahn, in MIB, suggests that they come from a military mint in Cyprus, and that the letters at the end of the legend on the reverse date the issues to 617-622 and 622-627 respectively; while the DOC attributes them to Alexandria. However, the date IΠ and IX on the reverses can be very clearly related to very rare AE folles inscribed with the full name of Jerusalem in the exergue, and must be mintmarks rather than dates. This is especially true since obverse dies link both reverse types. A military mint in Jerusalem during the time when Heraclius was directing his war against the Sassanid Persians makes perfectly good sense historically, and the appearance of coins from a named temporary mint has a number of other late Roman and Byzantine parallels.” 1000.-

3254

3254 Solidus 626/630. Obv. dd NN h’RACLI×S ET h’RA CONST PP AVG Facing, crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and smaller Heraclius Constantinus on r., both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× IΠ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 187b (Alexandria). MIB 77 (Cyprus). S. 852. 4,35 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 1998. Lot 586. 600.-

120

HERACLIUS

Mint of Carthage


3255

3255 Solidus 614/615. Year Γ. Obv. D N ’RACLIO ’T ’RA CONST PP AVG Facing, crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., somewhat smaller. Both draped and cuirassed. Cross above. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGG Γ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC -, cf. 204ff. MIB 84a. S. 867. 4,45 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Genevensis Geneva. November 18, 2002. Lot 175. 750.-

Uncertain Sicilian Mint (Syracuse?)

3256

3256 Tremissis 610/613. Obv. dN h’RAC – LI× PP AV ’ Draped, cuirassed bust, bearded, to r. wearing diadem. Rev. VICTORI A AV ×’ Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 53. MIB 99-100 var. S. 881G-H. Ricotti Prina 35. 1,46 g. Rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica Q Zurich. April 5, 2006. Lot 2100 Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 10 Zurich. 1997. Lot 748 750.-

121

HERACLIUS

Uncertain Mint (Alexandria? or Rome?)


3257

3257 Solidus 613/625. Obv. δδ NN h’RACLI×S ’T h’RA CONST PP AG Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r. facing; both draped and cuirassed. Cross above. Rev. VICTORI A – AVS×’ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 107a. S. 928. 4,52 g. Very rare. Tiny scratch. Good very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 174 Osnabrück. Sept. 27, 2010. Lot 1192. 1500.-

Mint of Ravenna


3258

3258 Solidus 613. Obv. DD NN H’RACLIVS ’T H’RA CONST PP AVGG Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r. facing; both draped and cuirassed. Cross above. Rev. VICTORI – Λ AVGG H Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC 271b. MIB 110d. S. 896. 4,48 g. Rare. Well centred and about uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 46 Chicago. December 16, 1986. Lot 205. 2000.-

122

HERACLIUS

3259

3259 Solidus 613. Obv. DD NN H’RACLIVS ’T H’RA CONST PP AVGG Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r. facing; both draped and cuirassed. Cross above. Rev. VICTORI – Λ Λ VGG P Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 271d. MIB 110b. S. 896. 4,43 g. Rare. Well centred and extremely fine. Ex Auction Jean Elsen 101 Bruxelles. June 13, 2009. Lot 611. Ex Auction Jean Elsen 47 Bruxelles. December 14 1996. Lot 817 2000.-

3260

3260 Solidus 629. Obv. dN H’RACLIVS ’T H’RA CONST PP AVG S Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r. facing; both draped and cuirassed. Cross above. Rev. VICTORI – Λ ΛVGG T Cross potent on four steps. CONOB below. DOC -, cf. 271. MIB 110c. S. 896. 4,43 g. Rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS Zurich 47. September 14, 1999. Lot 304. 2000.-

Fractions

3261

3261 Semissis 637/641. Obv. D N H’RACLI – PERP P AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIΛ ΛVGGVSTI Cross potent on beaded circle. Three pellets on r. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 123 (AVGGUSTO). S. 899E var. (AVGGUSTO). 2,27 g. Small die flaw on obv. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 28, 2009. Lot 284. 750.-

123

HERACLIUS

3262

3262 Tremissis 610/611. Obv. D N H’RACL – I PERP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORI HERACLI AVG Cross potent. DOC 275. MIB 124. S. 900. 1,45 g. Rare. Attractive and well centred. About extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 136 Osnabrück. March 10, 2008. Lot 1440 1000.-

3263

3263 Tremissis 610/613. Obv. DN HCRACLI – IVS PP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIΛ ΛVCVSTORVN Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 276. MIB 125. S. 902. 1,47 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 15 Zurich. May 1999. Lot 583, 800.-

3264

3264 Tremissis 613/629. Obv. D N H’RACLI - P’RP AVG Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM Cross potent. DOC 276 note. MIB 126. S. 901. 1,46 g. Very rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction Nomisma 39 San Marino. October 10, 2009. Lot 1834. 1200.-

124

HERACLIUS

Unknown Mint in Northern Italy


3265

3265 Solidus c. 620/630. Obv. DD NN HCRACLIVS CT HCRA CONST PP A Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., facing. Both in chlamys. Cross in field above. Rev. VICTORI – IΛ ΛYCCC H Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB -, cf. 110b and 111. S. -. 4,45 g. Unedited. Fine style. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Genevensis Geneva. November 18, 2002. Lot 179. Style and fabric would point to an Italian mint. The legends are basically correct but some letters such as C for ’ might lend weight to the proposition that the coin is a “barbarian” imitation.

2500.-

Unknown mint

3266

3266 Solidus after 616. Obv. dd NN hERACIITI ET hERA CONST PP AV Crowned busts of Heraclius on l. and Heraclius Constantinus on r., each wearing chlamys and cross on diadem. Heraclius Constantinus is much smaller. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× O Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB -. S. -. 4,41 g. Rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction 64 UBS Basel, January 24, 2006. Lot 309. An Officina O does not exist. The obverse legend, as well as the style of the reverse, lead one to assume a provincial mint or probably more likely a barbarian imitation. 500.-

125

HERACLIUS CONSTANTINUS

3267

3267 Tremissis after 629. Obv. D N HRAΛI – IVS P P AV CCCI Crude cuirassed bust with duadem to r. Rev. VICTORIΛ ΛVIVSTORI Cross ptent. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB cf. X10ff. 1,46 g. Very rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 168 Osnabrück. March 12, 2010. Lot 8045. Undoubtedly the product of a neighbouring mint of probably Langobardic origin. 1500.-

HERACLIUS CONSTANTINUS, 11 JANUARY - 20 APRIL 641

Heraclius Constantinus was born on May 3, 612 and crowned co-emperor on January 22, 613. He became senior emperor upon his father’s death, ruling together with his half-brother Heraclonas, whose mother was Martina, second wife of Heraclius. Being extremely sick at the time of his accession, he paid out 2 million solidi to the army, so that the soldiers would protect his family after his demise.

Indeed a rumour that Martina had poisoned her stepson led to the forced imposition of Constans II as co-emperor with Heraclonas and ultimately to the mutilation and banishment of Martina and Heraclonas.

3268

3268 Solidus March 11 - July 641. Officina I. Obv. No legend. Standing crowned figure of Heraclius facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. slightly smaller crowned figure of Heraclius Constantinus standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On l. figure of crowned Heraclonas of almost equal size standing facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross in field above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× I. Cross potent on three steps. Heraclius monogram in l. field, K in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 45 (officina not listed). MIB 52. S. 770. 4,51 g. Cabinet piece. Uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS 63 Zurich. September 6, 2005. Lot 498. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 283 Zurich. May 10, 2000. Lot 187. Hahn (MIB) convincingly argues that the letter in reverse field refers to Heraclius Constantinus, who in his very short reign, may have thought it prudent not to issue coins solely in his name.. 3000.-

126

CONSTANS II

CONSTANS II, 641-668

Son of Heraclius Constantinus, Constans was under the tutorship of the military and the Senate until age 18 in 648. During his reign Armenia and Cyprus were lost to the Caliphate and an attempt to retake Egypt failed. Even the supposedly unvanquishable Byzantine fleet was defeated by the Arabs in the Battle of Phoinix, the emperor barely escaping capture.

Instead of consolidating forces against the Arabs in the East, Constans moved West in 661. He was the last Roman emperor to set foot in the city of Rome, where he stayed two weeks. Italy suffered under the high taxes imposed by the emperor and when it appeared that he was considering making Syracuse his new capital instead of Constantinople, he was murdered by a chamberlain while visiting a steam bath.


3269

3269 Solidus 642/645. Officina Γ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Small, neat bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Γ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1c (Heraclonas). MIB 3a. S. 936. 4,44 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. April 2007. Lot 391. 500.-

3270

3270 Solidus 642/645. Officina Γ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Small, neat bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Γ Cross potent on three steps. CONOBK below. DOC 2 var. (Heraclonas). MIB 4a. S. 937. 4,48 g. Choice extremely fine. Ex Auction Triton III New York. December 1999. Lot 1304. Prof Grierson in DOC and the Bibliothéque Nationale have attributed these issues to Heraclonas. But serious doubts about the validity of this attribution have arisen. It is now generally agreed that these coins are indeed issues of Constans II. 750.-

127

CONSTANS II

3271

3271 Solidus 642/647. Officina Γ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Γ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1a var. MIB 3a. S. 938. 4,47 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89. May 5, 1998. Lot 547. 500.-

3272

3272 Solidus 642/647. Officina Δ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Δ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1d. MIB 3b. S. 938. 4,43 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Astarte Lugano. October 28, 1999. Lot 1307. 600.-

3273

3273 Solidus 642/647. Officina ’. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’ . Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1e. MIB 3b. S. 938. 4,46 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 47 Chicago. February 19, 1987. Lot 18. 600.-

128

CONSTANS II

3274

3274 Solidus 644/645. Officina ’. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’ . Cross potent on three steps. CONOBC below. DOC 2c. MIB 6. S. 939. 4,48 g. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 548. 500.-

3275

3275 Solidus 644/645. Officina Θ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ . Cross potent on three steps. C (indictional year 3) in field on r. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 5. S. 939A. 4,39 g. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 28, 2009. Lot 290. 750.-

3276

3276 Solidus 641/646. Officina I. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× I . Cross potent on three steps. CONOBS below. DOC 3 (officina not listed). MIB 7a. S. 940. 4,45 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 47 Chicago. February 19, 1987. Lot 19. 400.-

129

CONSTANS II

3277

3277 Solidus c. 641/646. Officina ’. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’. Cross potent on three steps. CONOBK below. DOC -. MIB -. R. -. S. 941A var. T. -. 4,41 g. Very rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction UBS 64 Basel. January 24, 2006. Lot 316. Sear records the type but knows only officina S. 800.-

3278

3278 Solidus 646/647. Officina B. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× B. Cross potent on three steps. ’ in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 5a1. MIB 9. S. 942. 4,47 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 42 Chicago. April 15, 1987. Lot 27. 800.-

3279

3279 Solidus 646/647. Officina S. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× S. Cross potent on three steps. ’ (indictional year 5) in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 5c. MIB 9. S. 942. 4,47 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 151 Munich. October 9, 2006. S. 942. 750.-

130

CONSTANS II

3280

3280 Solidus 646/647. Officina B. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust with short beard, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× B. Cross potent on three steps. ’ (indictional year 5) in r. field. CONOB+ below. DOC 6 (Officina not listed). MIB 10. S. 943. 4,47 g. Lovely red toning. As struck. Cabinet piece. Brilliant uncirculated. Purchased privately 2000.-

3281

3281 Solidus 647/648. Officina Γ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Γ. Cross potent on three steps. S (indictional year 6) in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 7b. MIB 11. S. 944. 4,49 g. Tiny metal flaw on rev. Uncirculated. Purchased directly from UBS 1988. 500.-

3282

3282 Solidus 647/648. Officina S. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust with short beard, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× S. Cross potent on three steps. S (indictional year 6) in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 7b. MIB 14. S. 947. 4,48 g. Tiny metal flaw on rev. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 96 Munich. June 1999. Lot 682. 500.-

131

CONSTANS II

3283

3283 Solidus 647/648. Officina Δ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand, Rev. VICTOR(I)A – AV× Δ Cross potent on three steps. S (indictional year 6) in r. field. CONOB+ below. DOC 12 (No officina listed). MIB 15. S. 948. 4,42 g. Weak spot on rev. Uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 159 Munich. October 8, 2007. Lot 504. 750.-

3284

3284 Solidus 648/649. Officina Z. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust with short beard, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Z (inverted). Cross potent on three steps. Z (indictional year 7) in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 13c. MIB 16a. S. 949. 4,46 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 549. 500.-

3285

3285 Solidus 648/649. Officina Γ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust with short beard, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Γ. Cross potent on three steps. Z (indictional year 7) in r. field. CONOB+ below. DOC 14 (officina not listed). MIB 17. S. 950. 4,31 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 89 Osnabrück. March 8, 2004. Lot 2878, 400.-

132

CONSTANS II

3286

3286 Solidus 650/651. Officina Δ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust with short beard, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Δ. Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 16 (officina not listed). MIB 20. S. 953. 4,72 g. Uncirculated-about uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 47 Chicago. February 19, 1987. Lot 21. 400.-

3287

3287 Solidus 650/651. Officina S. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust with short beard, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× S. Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 16b. MIB 20. S. 953. 4,36 g. Slightly off-centre. Uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 124 Osnabrück. March 16, 2007. Lot 7718. 600.-

3288

3288 Solidus 650/651. Officina Γ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust with short beard, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Γ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB+ below. DOC 17 (officina not listed). MIB 21. S. 954. 4,39 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatik Lanz 138 Munich. November 26, 2007. Lot 586. 600.-

133

CONSTANS II

3289

3289 Solidus 650/651. Officina I. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust with short beard, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× I Cross potent on three steps. CONOB+ below. DOC 17 (officina not listed). MIB 21. S. 954. 4,44 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 96 Munich. June 1999. Lot 681.. 450.-

3290

3290 Solidus 650/651. Officina H, Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Larger and more robust bust with short beard, crowned, facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× H Cross potent on three steps. CONOBI below. DOC 18a. MIB 22. S. 955. 4,48 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 96 Munich. June 1999. Lot 683.. 450.-

3291

3291 Solidus 652/654. Officina Δ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Crowned bust with long beard and moustache facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Δ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 19d. MIB 23. S. 956. 4,41 g. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 550. 500.-

134

CONSTANS II

3292

3292 Solidus 652/654. Officina H. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AVG Crowned bust with long beard and moustache facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× H Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 19h. MIB 23. S. 956. 4,43 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 52 Osnabrück. September 1999. Lot 3632. 800.-

3293

3293 Solidus 652/654. Officina Θ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Crowned bust with long beard and moustache facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 19i. MIB 23. S. 956. 4,38 g. Brilliant uncirculated-uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 551. 500.-

3294

3294 Solidus 652/654. Officina Γ. Obv. ä N CONStAN – TINYS PP AV Crowned bust facing, with long beard and wearing chlamys, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Γ Cross potent on three steps. CONOBI in exergue. DOC 20 (this officina unlisted). MIB 25. S. 957. 4,40 g. Graffito on reverse field, otherwise good extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 56 Zurich. October 8, 2010. Lot 627. 500.-

135

CONSTANS II

3295

3295 Solidus after 652. Officina B. Obv. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Crowned bust with medium long beard and moustache facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× B Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 23 var. S. 956 var. 4,48 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS 64 Basel. January 24, 2006. Lot 318. The obverse die is from the light weight series featuring the emperors portrait with a relatively short beard reaching to his upper breast. See MIB 44ff. 500.-

With Constantinus IV

3296

3296 Solidus 654/659. Officina A. Obv. D N CONSTANTIN×S C CONST Crowned busts of Constans on l. and Constantinus on r. facing; Constans with long beard; Constantinus small and beardless. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× A Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 25a var. MIB 26. S. 959. 4,46 g. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex direct purchase from Harlan Berk 1987 400.-

3297

3297 Solidus 654/659. Officina B. Obv. D N CONSTANTIN×S C CONSTAN Crowned busts of Constans on l. and Constantinus on r. facing; Constans with long beard; Constantinus small and beardless. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× B Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 25b. MIB 26. S. 959. 4,49 g. Very slight flattening on obv. Brilliant uncirculated. Private purchase 2000. 500.-

136

CONSTANS II

3298

3298 Solidus 654/659. Officina ’. Obv. D N CONSTANTIN×S C CONSTAN Crowned busts of Constans on l. and Constantinus on r. facing; Constans with long beard; Constantinus small and beardless. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 25e. MIB 26. S. 959. 4,38 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 52 Osnabrück. September 1999. Lot 3633. 400.-

3299

3299 Solidus 654/659. Officina Z. Obv. D N CONSTANTIN×S C CONSTANT Crowned busts of Constans on l. and Constantinus on r. facing; Constans with long beard; Constantinus small and beardless. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Z (inverted) Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 25e. MIB 26. S. 959. 4,27 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS 45 Zurich. September 15, 1998. Lot 1216. 500.-

3300

3300 Solidus 654/659. Officina I. Obv. (D N CONSTAN)TIN×S C CONST Crowned busts of Constans on l. and Constantinus on r. facing; Constans with long beard; Constantinus small and beardless. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× I Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 25j. MIB 26. S. 959. 4,44 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS 47 Zurich. Sept. 14, 1999. Lot 324. 500.-

137

CONSTANS II

3301

3301 Solidus 654/659. Officina Z. Obv. D N CON(ST)ANTIN×S C CONTA Crowned busts of Constans on l. and Constantinus on r. facing; Constans with long beard; Constantinus small and beardless. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Z (inverted) Cross potent on three steps. CONOBI below. DOC 26f. MIB 28. S. 960. 4,39 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS 47 Zurich. Sept. 14, 1999. Lot 326. 400.-

3302

3302 Solidus 654/659. Officina I. Obv. d N CONSTANTIN×S C CONSTANT Crowned busts of Constans on l. and Constantinus on r. facing; Constans with long beard; Constantinus small and beardless. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× I Cross potent on three steps. CONOBI below. DOC 26h. MIB 28. S. 960. 4,33 g. Virtually as struck and almost uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 40 Zurich. May 16, 2007. Lot 932. 600.-

3303

3303 Solidus 654/659. Officina Δ. Obv. dN CONST(ANT)IN×S C CONST Crowned busts of Constans on l. and Constantinus on r. facing; Constans with long beard; Constantinus small and beardless. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Δ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB+ below. DOC 27C. MIB 27. S. 961. 4,41 g. Small test mark on edge. Extremely fine. Ex Auction LHS Numismatik 103 Zurich. May 5, 2009. Lot 231. 300.-

138

CONSTANS II

With Constantinus IV, Heraclius and Tiberius

3304

3304 Solidus 659/662. Officina Z. Obv. Fragmentary legend dN CONST – AI× Facing busts of Constans II, bearded, and Constantinus IV of smaller size, beardless. Constans wearing plume behind crown; Constantinus crowned. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICTORI - A – AV× Z (inverted)+ Long cross on globe between crowned standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius, smaller, on r. Both wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 29 (officina not listed). MIB 30. S. 963. 4,33 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 141 Munich. October 10, 2005. Lot 382. 750.-

3305

3305 Solidus 659/662. Officina Z. Obv. Fragmentary legend dN CONS - TA Facing busts of Constans II, bearded, and Constantinus IV of smaller size, beardless. Constans wearing plume behind crown; Constantinus crowned. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICTORI - A – AV× Z (inverted)+ Long cross on globe between crowned standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius, smaller, on r. Both wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 29 (officina not listed). MIB 30. S. 963. 4,36 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 330. 500.-

139

CONSTANS II

3306

3306 Solidus 662/667. Officina B. Obv. Fragmentary legend dN CONST – AN Facing busts of Constans II, bearded, and Constantinus IV of smaller size, beardless. Constans wearing plume behind crown; Constantinus crowned. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× B Cross potent on three steps between crowned standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius, smaller, on r. Both wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 30B. MIB 31. S. 964. 4,45 g. Uncirculated. Private purchase in March 2000. 500.-

3307

3307 Solidus 662/667. Officina Γ. Obv. Fragmentary legend dN – AN Facing busts of Constans II, bearded, and Constantinus IV of smaller size, beardless. Constans wearing plume behind crown; Constantinus crowned. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – A(V) × Γ Cross potent on three steps between crowned standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius, smaller, on r. Both wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 30c. MIB 31. S. 964. 4,39 g. Tiny edge nick. Uncirculated. Ex UBS Auction 64 Basel. January 24, 2006. Lot 324. 500.-

140

CONSTANS II

3308

3308 Solidus 662/667. Officina Δ. Obv. Fragmentary legend (dN) - AN Facing busts of Constans II, bearded, and Constantinus IV of smaller size, beardless. Constans wearing plume behind crown; Constantinus crowned. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. (VICTORIA) – AV× Δ Cross potent on three steps between crowned standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius, smaller, on r. Both wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 30d1. MIB 31. S. 964. 4,41 g. Almost extremely fine. Ex Russo Sao Paulo 1984. 250.-

3309

3309 Solidus 662/667. Officina ’. Obv. Fragmentary legend dN CONST - TNI Facing busts of Constans II, bearded, and Constantinus IV of smaller size, beardless. Constans wearing plume behind crown; Constantinus crowned. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’ Cross potent on three steps between crowned standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius, smaller, on r. Both wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 30 (officina not listed). MIB 31. S. 964. 4,30 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 332. 300.-

141

CONSTANS II

3310

3310 Solidus 662/667. Officina Z. Obv. Fragmentary legend dN CONST – (illegible) Facing busts of Constans II, bearded, and Constantinus IV of smaller size, beardless. Constans wearing plume behind crown; Constantinus crowned. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Z (letter inverted) Cross potent on three steps between crowned standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius, smaller, on r. Both wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 30f (officina not listed). MIB 31. S. 964. 4,46 g. About uncirculated.. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 47 Chicago. February 19, 1987. Lot 22. 400.-

3311

3311 Solidus 662/667. Officina Θ. Obv. Fragmentary legend dN CONST – (off flan) Facing busts of Constans II, bearded, and Constantinus IV of smaller size, beardless. Constans wearing plume behind crown; Constantinus crowned. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICTORI - A – AV× Θ Cross potent on three steps between crowned standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius, smaller, on r. Both wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 30h. MIB 31. S. 964. 4,43 g. Uncirculated. Ex private purchase 2000. 500.-

142

CONSTANS II

3312

3312 Solidus 662/667. Officina Θ. Obv. Fragmentary legend dN. Facing busts of Constans II, bearded, and Constantinus IV of smaller size, beardless. Constans wearing plume behind crown; Constantinus crowned. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – A(V) × Θ Cross potent on three steps between crowned standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius, smaller, on r. Both wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOBΘ below. DOC 36b. MIB 34. S. 969. 4,42 g. Very fine-extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 158 Osnabrück. September 28, 2009. Lot 991. 600.-

3313

3313 Solidus 667/668. Officina B. Obv. VICTORIA – AV× B Facing bust of Constans with long beard, wearing plumed helmet and chlamys. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Cross on helmet. Rev. No legend. Constantinus IV standing facing between Heraclius on r. and Tiberius on l. All three are crowned, wearing chlamys and each holds a globe cruciger in the r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 40 (officina not listed). MIB 39. S. 972. 4,49 g. Rare. About extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS Zurich 83. September 8, 2009. Lot 425. Ex Auction UBS Zurich 67. September 6, 2006. Lot 5615. 700.-

143

CONSTANS II

3314

3314 Solidus 667/668. Officina S. Obv. VICTORIA – AV× S Facing bust of Constans with long beard, wearing plumed helmet and chlamys. Globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross on helmet. Rev. No legend. Constantinus IV standing facing between Heraclius on r. and Tiberius on l. All three are crowned, wearing chlamys and each holds a globe cruciger in the r. hand. Constantinus IV is larger than Heraclius, who is a little larger than Tiberius. CONOB below. DOC 42e. MIB 41. S. 974. 4,49 g. Rare. Slight weaknesses. Extremely fine. Ex SKA Monetarium. List December 1988, No. 66. Ex Goodacre Collection 1000.-

3315

3315 Solidus 667/668. Officina Z. Obv. VICTORIA – AV× Z (inverted) Facing bust of Constans with long beard, wearing plumed helmet and chlamys. Globe cruciger in r. hand. No cross on helmet. Rev. No legend. Constantinus IV standing facing between Heraclius on r. and Tiberius on l. All three are crowned, wearing chlamys and each holds a globe cruciger in the r. hand. Constantinus IV is larger than Heraclius, who is a little larger than Tiberius. CONOB below. DOC 42f. MIB 41. S. 974. 4,49 g. Rare. Slight weaknesses. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 151 Munich. October 9, 2006. Lot 531. Remarkably the coin does not name any of the four emperors depicted. Apparently it was thought the populace knew them well enough. 1000.-

144

CONSTANS II


3316

3316 Solidus of 23 siliquae 651/654. Officina Θ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TINVS PP AV Crowned bust with long beard facing, wearing chlamys, globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ Cross potent on three steps. � in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 22e. MIB 46. S. 977. 4,22 g. Small scratch on rev. Very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 158 Osnabrück. September 28, 2009. Lot 988. 600.-

3317

3317 Solidus of 23 siliquae 651/654. Officina A. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TINV(S PP AV) Crowned bust with long beard facing, wearing chlamys, globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× A Cross potent on three steps. � in r. field. CONOB+ below. DOC 23 (officina unlisted). MIB 47. S. 978. 4,28 g. Some flattening. Extremely fine. Ex Harlan Berk Chicago 600.-

3318

3318 Solidus of 23 siliquae 651/654. Officina I. Obv. dN CONSTAN – (TINVS) PP AV Crowned bust with long beard facing, wearing chlamys, globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× I Cross potent on three steps. in r. field. CONOB+ below. DOC 23 (officina unlisted). MIB 47. S. 978. 4,26 g. Some flattening. Extremely fine. Ex CNG Mail Bid Sale 81. May 20, 2009. Lot 1168. 800.-

145

CONSTANS II

3319

3319 Solidus of 23 siliquae 651-654. Officina Δ. Obv. d N CONStAN – TINYS PP AV Bust facing, with long beard, wearing crown with cross on circlet and chlamys, holding globus cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Δ Cross potent on three steps. In exergue, BOΠKI. DOC -. MIB 45. S. 980. 4,29 g. Rare. Weak spot on rev. Light marks. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 56 Zurich. October 8, 2010. Lot 629. 1000.-

Fractions

3320

3320 Semissis 642/668. Obv. D N CONSTA – TIN×S PP AV Draped, cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AV×S Cross potent on globe. CONOB below. DOC 44. MIB 50. S. 983. 2,19 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 309. 200.-

3321

3321 Tremissis 642/668. Obv. (D N CONSTA) – TIN×S PP AV Draped, cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AV×S Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 45. MIB 51. S. 984. 1,43 g. Extremely fine. 150.-

146

CONSTANS II

Mint of Carthage

3322

3322 Solidus 643/644. Indiction ΔB. Obv. D N CON – STATIN P Crowned bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTO – RIA A (or Δ) B Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 107 var. MIB 56 var. S. 1029 var. 4,42 g. Small module issue. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 101 Munich. March 6, 2000. Lot 1134. Due to the small module the lettering is extremely difficult to read. The end of the reverse legend could be an additional A and Indiction B (643/44), or a hitherto unedited Indiction year ΔB. Regardless, the letters at the ending of the reverse legend have not yet been fully interpreted. 600.-

3323

3323 Solidus 650/651. Indiction Θ. Obv. (D N CON) – ATN TI(N) Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTO – RIA A (or Δ) Θ Cross potent on three steps, P on r. CONOB below. DOC 114 var. MIB 63. S. 1036. 4,47 g. Small module issue. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 52 Zurich. September 11, 2001. Lot 314. The small lettering poses the same problem as for the coin above. 500.-

3324

3324 Solidus 653/654. Indiction IB. Obv. D N CO – NSTNT Crowned bust with long beard facing, globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTO – RA A× IB Cross potent on three steps. DOC 116. MIB 64. S. 1037. 4.40 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Argenor Numismatique Paris. April 1999. Lot 78. 500.-

147

CONSTANS II

Mint of Syracuse

3325

3325 Solidus 642/646. Emission Θ. Obv. d N CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Crowned bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ D Cross potent on three steps. I in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 8 (Heraclonas). MIB 81. S. 1067. 4,44 g. Rare. About extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 61 Zurich. September 14, 2004. Lot 4656. 1500.-

With Constantinus IV

3326

3326 Solidus 654/659. Emission ΘI Obv. d N CONSTANT – IN×S CONSTANTIN× Crowned bust of Constans II with long beard facing on l. facing. Small crowned bust of Constantinus IV facing on r. Both wearing chlamys. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×ΘI+ Cross potent on small globe over four steps; Θ in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 158a. MIB 88. S. 1079. 4,42 g. Rare. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. February 29, 2000. Lot 469. 3000.-

Fractions

3327

3327 Semissis 659/660. ΘC Indiction Γ. Obv. (d N) CONSTAN TIN×S PP AV Bearded bust to r., draped and cuirassed, wearing diadem. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× C• Cross potent on globe. Γ with dots on the ends of the letter bars in r. field. DOC -. MIB 102. S. 1091. 2,17 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Triton VIII New York. January 11, 2005. Lot 1385. 500.-

148

CONSTANS II

3328

3328 Semissis 659/660. ΘC Indiction Γ. Obv. d N CONSTAN TIN×S PP A Bearded bust to r., draped and cuirassed, wearing diadem. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ΘC• Cross potent on globe. Γ with dots on the ends of the letter bars in r. field. DOC -. MIB 102 var. S. 1091 var. 2,12 g. Rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Astarte VI Lugano. November 2000. Lot 610. 600.-

3329

3329 Tremissis 648/654. Θ Indiction C. Obv. d N CONSTAN TIN×S PP AV Bearded bust to r., draped and cuirassed, wearing diadem. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ• Cross potent. C in r. field. DOC 171a. MIB 107. S. 1099. 1,46 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. May 7, 2006. Lot 279. 400.-

3330

3330 Tremissis 662/668. Emission ×. Obv. d N CONSTAN – TNI×S PP A Draped, cuirassed and bearded bust to r. wearing diadem. Rev. VICTORIA - AV×C• Cross potent, × in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 175a. MIB 111. S. 1102. 1,29 g. Rare. Crude style. Very fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica Q Zurich. April 6, 2006. Lot 2114. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica G Zurich. 1973. Lot 1973. 300.-

149

CONSTANS II

With Constantinus IV, Heraclius and Tiberius.

3331

3331 Solidus 659/661. Emission Γ. Obv. dN CONSTAN – TINVS CONS(TANI×) Crowned bust of Constans II with long beard on l. and smaller Constantinus IV on r. facing. Both wearing chlamys, cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – (AV×) Γ (vertical) Cross potent on globe over four steps between standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius on r. Both crowned, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 161b. MIB 94. S. 1083. 4,01 g. Very rare. Has been shaved. Small scratch. Very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 182 Osnabrück. 14 March 2011. Lot 1067. 1500.-

3332

3332 Solidus 661/668. Emission K×. Obv. d N CONSTA – NT (IN×S CONS ---) Bust of Constans II with long beard, wearing plumed helmet with cross, facing on l. Small crowned bust of Constantinus IV on r. facing. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICOTRIA – AV CIK× Cross potent on three steps between crowned figures of Heraclius and Tiberius standing facing. Each is clad in chlamys and holds globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 162c var. MIB 95.5. S. 1086A. 4,42 g. Very rare. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 33 Zurich. April 6, 2006. Lot 651. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 10 Zurich, April 9, 1997. Lot 752. 2500.-

150

CONSTANS II

3333

3333 Solidus 661/668. Emission K× Obv. d N CONSTA – NTI Bust of Constans II with long beard, wearing plumed helmet with cross, facing on l. Small crowned bust of Constantinus IV on r. facing. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× K×• Cross potent on three steps between crowned figures of Heraclius and Tiberius standing facing. Each is clad in chlamys and holds globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 162d. MIB 96. S. 1087A. 4,44 g. Very rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 33 Zurich. April 6, 2006. Lot 652. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 10 Zurich, April 9, 1997. Lot 751. 1500.-

Fractions

3334

3334 Semissis 662/668. Obv. (d N) CONST(A)N –TIN× PP AV Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA - AV×C• Cross potent on globe; × in r. field. DOC 166a. MIB 103. S. 1092 2,13 g. Extremely fine. 500.-

3335

3335 Tremissis 654/659. Obv. d N CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ΘC• Cross potent; Γ in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 174 var. MIB 110 var. S. 1101. 1,45 g. Good style. Very fine-extremely fine. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 28, 2009. Lot 294. 450.-

151

CONSTANS II

Mint of Ravenna

3336

3336 Solidus 644/645. Indiction Γ.

Obv. d N CONSTA – NTINV PP AVG Crowned bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger

in r. hand.

Rev. VICTOΔI – Λ ΛVGG Cross potent on three steps. CONOBΓ below.

DOC -. MIB 128b2 var. S. 1132C var.

4,28 g. About extremely fine.

Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 15 Zurich. May 18, 1999. Lot 586. 1000.-

Fractions

3337

3337 Tremissis 642/647.

Obv. d N CONSTAN - TINVS PP AV Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r.

Rev. VICTORIΛ ΛVG×ST Cross potent. CONOB below.

DOC 201 var. MIB 134b. S. 1134.

1,49 g. Rare. Very fine.

Ex Auction F. R. Künker 136 Osnabrück. March 10, 2008. Lot 1469. 500.-

Mint of Cherson (?)

3338

3338 Solidus 651/652. Indiction I (?).

Obv. d N CONSTAN – TIN×S PP AV(G) Crowned bust with long beard facing, wearing chlamys and

holding globe cruciger.

Rev. VICTORIA – AVC× I X Cross potent on three steps. COÈOB below.

DOC -. MIB 54. S. 1145B.

4,28 g. Very rare. Extremely fine.

Ex Harlan Berk Chicago purchased July 2000.

Note the recut reverse die C instead of and the inverted N in CONOB. All speak for a mint on the periphery of the

Empire. 4000.-

152

CONSTANTINUS IV POGONATUS

CONSTANTINUS IV POGONATUS, 668-685

While Constans II attempted to move his capital to Syracuse, Constantinus had remained in Constantinople. After his father’s death an usurper named Mezezius tried to gain power in Syracuse. Constantinus sailed west with a fleet and put an end to this revolt. In 674 the Arabs tried to take Constantinople. The siege lasted four years. During the siege the wonder weapon “Greek Fire” was first used. At its end the Arabs lost their fleet and sued for peace. He must be credited for stopping a Muslim invasion of Europe. Less fortunate was that he was forced to acknowledge the Bulgar Khanate who had taken the Province of Moesia and also accept the Langobards as rulers of most of Italy.


With Heraclius and Tiberius

3339

3339 Solidus 669/674. Officina B. Obv. d N CONST – A – NI×S PP c Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Helmet with crest. Shield on l. shoulder, spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA – A – V× B Cross potent on three steps between standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius on r. Tiberius smaller. Both crowned, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. Doc 6b. MIB 4c. S. 1153. 4,40 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 33 Zurich. April 6, 2006. Lot 653. 750.-

3340

3340 Solidus 669/674. Officina S. Obv. d N CONST – A – NI×S PP Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Helmet with crest. Shield on l. shoulder, spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA – A – V× S+ Cross potent on three steps between standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius on r. Tiberius smaller. Both crowned, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 5C. S. 1153A. 4,32 g. Graffito on obv. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Classical Numismatic Group 81. Mail Bid. May 20, 2009. Lot 1173. 400.-

153


3341

3341 Solidus 674/681. Officina A. Obv. Fragmentary legend. d N C – T – N×SP Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Helmet with crest. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder, spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTOA – A – V×A Cross potent on three steps between standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius on r. Both crowned, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 10a. MIB 7a. S. 1156. 4,36 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Leu Numismatik 91 Zurich. May 10, 2004. Lot 848. 750.-

3342

3342 Solidus 674/681. Officina Δ. Obv. Fragmentary legend. d N – A – ××(?) Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Helmet with crest. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder, spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTOA – (A – V)×Δ Cross potent on three steps between standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius on r. Both crowned, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 8 (officina not listed). MIB 7a. S. 1154. 4,39 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 141 Munich. October 10, 2005. Lot 384. 600.-

3343

3343 Solidus 674/681. Officina Δ. Obv. Fragmentary legend. d N CO – T – N×SP Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Helmet with crest and plume. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder, spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTOA – A – V×Δ Cross potent on three steps between standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius on r. Both crowned, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 8 (officina not listed). MIB 7a. S. 1156. 4,27 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Leu Numismatik 91 Zurich. May 10, 2004. Lot 849. The Leu cataloguer lists this coin as officina S. Correct examination reveals that it is officina letter Δ reengraved over Γ. 500.-

154


3344

3344 Solidus 674/681. Officina H. Obv. Fragmentary legend. d N C – T – ××P? Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Helmet with crest. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder, spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTOA – A – (?)V×H Cross potent on three steps between standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius on r. Both crowned, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 8d. MIB 7a. S. 1154. 4,44 g. Virtually as struck. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 89 Osnabrück. March 8, 2004. Lot 2889. 700.-

3345

3345 Solidus 674/681. Officina illegible. Obv. Fragmentary legend. d N – A – ××SI Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing. Helmet with crest. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder, spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTOA – A – (?)× ? Cross potent on three steps between standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius on r. Both crowned, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 8. MIB 7a. S. 1154. 4,35 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 89 Osnabrück. March 8, 2004. Lot 2890. 400.-

3346

3346 Solidus 674/681. Officina ’+. Obv. Fragmentary legend. d N CO – T – N×S P Helmeted, cuirassed bust ¾ facing with short beard. Helmet with crest. Shield with horseman device on l. shoulder, spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTA - - V× ’+ Cross potent on three steps between standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius on r. Both crowned, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 9 (officina not listed). MIB 8a. S. 1156A. 4,21 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk Chicago. May 1, 1983. Lot 26. 600.-

155


Sole Reign

3347

3347 Solidus 681/685. Officina A. Obv. P CONST – A – N×S PP A Cuirassed bust with short beard ¾ facing, wearing helmet with diadem, crest and plume; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand spear held over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×A Cross potent on three steps. COHOB below. DOC 12a. MIB 10. S. 1157. 4,41 g. Of fine style. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 1998. Lot 587. 1000.-

3348

3348 Solidus 681/685. Officina Δ. Obv. P CONS – TAN – ×S PP Δ Cuirassed bust with short beard ¾ facing, wearing helmet with diadem, crest and plume; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand spear held over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×Δ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 12 (officina not listed). MIB 10. S. 1157. 4,36 g. Of fine style. Extremely fine. Ex private purchase. 700.-

3349

3349 Solidus 681/685. Officina Θ. Obv. P OCNS – TA – N×S PP A Cuirassed bust ¾ facing, wearing helmet with diadem, crest and plume; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand spear held over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORA – ΛV× Θ Cross potent on three steps CONOB below. DOC 14C. MIB 10. S. 1157. 4,39 g. Tiny scratches on rev. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 159 Munich. October 8, 2007. Lot 506. 600.-

156


3350

3350 Solidus 681/685. Officina ’. Obv. P CONST - A – N×S PP A Cuirassed bust ¾ facing, wearing helmet with diadem, crest and plume; on l. shoulder shield with horseman device; in r. hand spear held over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORA – ΛV× ’ Cross potent on three steps CONOB A below. (A slightly elevated). DOC 15 (officina not listed). MIB 11. S. 1158. 4,43 g. Graffito on obv. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Muenzzentrum Rheinland 152 Solingen. September 2, 2009. Lot 803. Ex Stock List Bankhaus Aufhäuser 6. Munich. 1988. No. 66. 400.-

Fractions

3351

3351 Semissis starting 669. Obv. O N CONSTA - TIN×S PP A Draped, cuirassed bust, with diadem, to r. Rev. VICTORIA – ΛV×× S Cross potent on globe. DOC 16. MIB 15C. S. 1161. 2,18 g. Tiny scratches. Good very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 124 Osnabrück. March 16, 2007. Lot 7723. 350.-

3352

3352 Tremissis starting 669. Obv. d N CONS – ×SCOPPA Draped, cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA AV×S Cross potent, CONOB below. DOC 17. MIB 16c. S. 1162. 1,37 g. Slightly mis-struck on periphery obv. Double strike and planchet fault on rev. Otherwise extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 115 Chicago. July 2000. Lot 121. 200.-

157


Mint of Carthage or Mint in Sardinia

3353

3353 Solidus ca. 675. Obv. Fragmentary legend. DO – × Helmeted, cuirassed bust with short beard facing, spear over r. shoulder, shield on l. shoulder. Rev. No legend visible. Cross potent on three steps between facing and crowned figures of Heraclius and Tiberius. DOC 43 var. MIB 20. S. 1188. 4,27 g. Globular module. Nearly extremely fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich, May 12, 2000. Lot 824. Ex Auction Hess-Leu 45 Lucerne. May 12, 1970. Lot 692. 700.-

3354

3354 Solidus 679/680. Indiction year H. Obv. DD N VS – TAVS Cuirassed, helmeted bust facing. Shield on l. shoulder, spear in r. hand over r. shoulder. Rev. No legend. Cross potent on three steps between crowned standing figures of Heraclius on l. and Tiberius on r., both wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Indiction year H on l. and symbol � on r. DOC -. MIB 25 (Sardinia or Carthage). S. 1189A (Carthage). 4,37 g. Very rare. About uncirculated. Ex Harlan Berk Chicago. Professor Hahn in MIB presents the case, pro and con, for a Sardinian mint or the mint of Carthage. While the retrograde � has been identified in later coin emissions as the mint sign for Sardinia, the fact that a hoard of these coins have been found in Tunisia, lends more credibility to Carthage as the mint and the � referring to a gold shipment from Sardinia to aid in the war against the Arabs under the governor of Ifikya, Uqbah. Another possibility being that the Sardinian mint was a branch of the mint of Carthage and the finished coins were shipped back to the African continent. 3000.-

158


Mint of Syracuse


3355

3355 Solidus 668/674. Emission KC Obv. d N CONST – ATN×SGGOI Crowned bust in chlamys facing, globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – A – V× KC• Cross potent on three steps between standing, facing figures of Heraclius and Tiberius, both crowned and each holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 55a. MIB 30. S. 1201. 4,55 g. Very rare. Attractive and struck on broad flan. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 822. Ex Auction Kunst & Münzen 10 Lugano. May 31, 1973. Lot 221. 5000.-

3356

3356 Solidus 674/681. Obv. d (N CONS) – TANT V× PP Helmeted, cuirassed bust with short beard facing; spear over r. shoulder, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA –A –(AV)× Cross potent on three steps between standing, facing figures of Heraclius and Tiberius, both crowned and each holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 57b var. MIB 33. S. 1203. 4,33 g. Very rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 75 Zurich. October 1999. Lot 1636. 2000.-

159


Sole reign

3357

3357 Solidus 681/685. Obv. d N COS – T – AN× Cuirassed bust, wearing plumed helmet, facing. Spear over r. shoulder, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA - AVV×Θ• Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 59a var. MIB 37 var. S. 1204 var. 4,13 g. Very rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 21 Zurich. May 17, 2001. Lot 617. 2000.-

Fractions

3358

3358 Tremissis 670/674. Emission Γ Obv. d N CONSTN – ×PPA Draped and cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×S Cross potent, Γin field r. CONOB× below. DOC 59bis var. MIB 41 var. S. 1205A var. 1,46 g. Rare. Very fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica Q Zurich. April 6, 2006. Lot 2115. 400.-

160


Mint of Ravenna


3359

3359 Solidus 669/674. Obv. d CONST – ANT – INI PI Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing; spear over r. shoulder. Rev. VICTORI – (A – AV×) Cross potent on three steps between standing, facing figures of Heraclius and Tiberius, both crowned and each holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 54.1 var. S. 1216B. 4,38 g. Rare. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 15 Zurich. May 18, 1999. Lot 587 1500.-

3360

3360 Solidus 669/674. Obv. d CONST – ANT – INI PI Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing; spear over r. shoulder. Rev. (VICTORI) – A – AV× Cross potent on three steps between standing, facing figures of Heraclius and Tiberius, both crowned and each holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 54. S. 1216B var. 4,42 g. Rare. Reverse double striking and somewhat blurred. Minor nick. Extremely fine-very fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 75 Zurich. October 27, 1999. Lot 1635. 1000.-

161


Mint of Rome


3361

3361 Solidus 668/681. Obv. d N CO S – T - AN ×PP Helmeted, cuirassed bust with short beard ¾ facing. Spear over r. shoulder, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA – A - V× followed by cross-anchor (or † over ω) symbol. Cross potent on three steps between standing, facing figures of Heraclius and Tiberius, both crowned and each holding globe cruciger in r. hand. CONOB below. DOC 77 var. MIB 46b. S. 1219a. 4,34 g. Very rare. Nicks on obv. Good very fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 21 Zurich. May 15, 2001. Lot 616. 2500.-

3362

3362 Solidus 673/674. Indiction B. Obv. d N C – ON - STI -N (×)PP Helmeted, cuirassed bust with short beard ¾ facing. Spear over r. shoulder, shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA – (A) - AVVV Cross potent on three steps between standing, facing figures of Heraclius and Tiberius, both crowned and each holding globe cruciger in r. hand. B in lower r. field. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB -. S. -. 4,42 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 15 Zurich. May 18, 1999. Lot 588. The references the NAC cataloguer alludes to all preclude the anchor/cross symbol which is not on this coin. Neither is the year B edited. 1500.-

162

JUSTINIANUS II, 1st Reign

JUSTINIANUS II, 1st Reign 685-695

The career of Justinianus II was certainly noteworthy and unusual as it showed a character that was energetic and daring, while at the same time short-sighted and blundering. As the son of Constantinus IV he profited from his father’s military successes. He had the noses of his two younger brothers cut off, so that they could not come in question as emperors, little knowing that poetic justice lurked around the corner and he was to share the same fate. He had some success against the Slavs and resettled many captives into depopulated areas of the empire. With Caliph Abd al-Malik he agreed on a joint administration of Cyprus and the splitting of the taxes levied on that island.

He made the mistake of removing a portion of the Cypriote population from the island into the mainland empire, thus angering the Caliph, as he was receiving less taxes by this gambit. In addition, Justinianus II minted the first coins with a portrait of Christ, which was not taken kindly by the Muslim Arabs. War ensued and the Byzantines suffered a major defeat.

The military losses, heavy taxation, grandiose building schemes, etc. led to s great dissatisfaction in the populace and when a rumor started that the emperor planned to murder the Patriarch and begin a massacre in Constantinople, this was immediately believed as true. He was arrested and had his nose and tongue slit to the amusement of the population in the hippodrome. His life was spared and he was exiled to Cherson. This was to prove a costly mistake.


3363

3363 Solidus 685. Officina ’. Obv. I×STINIA – N×S P’AV Crowned, beardless bust, wearing chlamys, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger. Crown with cross. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1 (officina not listed). MIB 1. S. 1242. 4,53 g. Rare. Splendid specimen. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Muenzzentrum Rheinland 152 Solingen. September 2, 2009. Lot 804. The earliest emission of the young, 16 year old emperor, proclaimed on November 5, 685. 3500.-

163


3364

3364 Solidus 685/686. Officina Z. Obv. I×STINIA – N×S P’AV Crowned, beardless bust, wearing chlamys, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger. Crown with cross and circlet. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Z Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 2c. MIB 2. S. 1243. 4,50 g. Uncirculated. Ex SKA Monetarium. April 1983. 2500.-

3365

3365 Solidus 685/686. Officina Θ. Regnal year A = 1. Obv. IVSTINIA – (N×S P'AV) Crowned, larger bust, wearing chlamys, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ΘA Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 3b. MIB 3. S. 1244. 4,23 g. Rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 315 Zurich. October 28, 2009. Lot 298. 1500.-

3366

3366 Solidus 685/686. Officina Θ. Regnal year A = 1. Obv. IVSTNIA – N×S P’AV Crowned, larger bust, wearing chlamys, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ΘA Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 3b var. MIB 3. S. 1244 var. 4,23 g. About uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Harlan Berk Chicago, Direct purchase August 2000. Sold as unique with the missing letter I in the obverse legend. 2000.-

164


3367

3367 Solidus 686/687. Officina H. Obv. IVSTINIA – N×S P’AV Crowned, larger bust with slight beard, wearing chlamys, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× H Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 4c. MIB 4. S. 1245. 4,38 g. Rare. About extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 158 Osnabrück. September 28, 2009. Lot 997. 1000.-

3368

3368 Solidus 687/692. Officina ’. Obv. D I×STINIA – N×S P’ AV Crowned bust with slight beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 5d. MIB 6. S. 1246. 4,44 g. Extremely fine. Ex UBS AG. Direct purchase November 2000. 600.-

3369

3369 Solidus 687/692. Officina S. Obv. D I×STINIA – N×S P’ AV Crowned bust with slight beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× S Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 5e. MIB 6. S. 1246. 4,24 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. May 7, 2006. Lot 281. 750.-

165


3370

3370 Solidus 692/695. Officina ’. Obv. IhS CRISTOS R’X REGNANTI×M Bust of Christ with full beard and long hair facing, cross behind head, wearing pallium and colobium and raising r. hand in benediction. Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. D I×STINI(AN×)S S’R× ChRISTI Crowned figure of Justinian II facing, wearing loros and holding cross potent on two steps in r hand, akakia in l. hand. In lower r. field at end of reverse legend ’. CONOP below. DOC 7e. MIB 8a. S. 1248. 4,63 g. Rare. Splendid portrayal of Christ. Some weakness in reverse strike. Otherwise brilliant uncirculated. Ex private purchase 1999. The first depiction of Christ on a coin. 2500.-

3371

3371 Solidus 692/695. Officina off flan. Obv. IhS CRISTOS R’X REGNANTI×M Bust of Christ with full beard and long hair facing, cross behind head, wearing pallium and colobium and raising r. hand in benediction. Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. D I×STINI –AN -×S S’R× ChRISTI Crowned figure of Justinian II facing, wearing loros and holding cross potent on two steps in r hand, akakia in l. hand. (CONOP below.) DOC 7. MIB 8b. S. 1248. 4,38 g. Rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 33 Zurich. April 5, 2006. Lot 656. Ex Auction Bank Leu 36 Zurich, 1985. Lot 386. 1500.-

166


Fractions

3372

3372 Semissis 687/692. Obv. d I×STINA – I×S P’ AV Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA AV×S Cross potent on globe. DOC 9. MIB 11. S. 1251. 2,17 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Spink USA 144 New York. July 13, 2000. Lot 531. Ex Auction Münzen & Medaillen AG 13 Basel. June 23, 1983. Lot 861. 3000.-

3373

3373 Tremissis 687/692. Obv. d I×TSINIA – N×S P’ AVG Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA AV×S Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 13. MIB 15. S. 1255. 1,35 g. Graffito on obverse. Scratch on reverse. Good very fine-about extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 33 Zurich. April 5, 2006. Lot 655. 500.-

3374

3374 Tremissis 692/695. Obv. (I)hS CR(ISTOS RE)X R’GNANT Bust of Christ with full beard and long hair facing, cross behind head, wearing pallium and colobium and raising r. hand in benediction. Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. D ISTINI – AN – (×S S’R× ChRISTI) Crowned figure of Justinian II facing, wearing loros and holding cross potent on base of four globes in r hand, akakia in l. hand. DOC 14. MIB 16. S. 1256. 1,44 g. Uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 33 Zurich. April 5, 2006. Lot 657. 3000.-

167


Mint of Syracuse

3375

3375 Solidus 685/695. Emission Θ. Obv. (d) I×S(TINIAN)×S PP Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys (over cuirass?) and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 41a2. MIB 23. S. 1281. 4,15 g. Rare. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica Q Zurich. April 6, 2006. Lot 2116. 1500.-

Mint of Naples

3376

3376 Solidus 685/695. Obv. D N I×STINI – AN×S PP AV Crowned bust with short beard facing; wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORA – AV×L Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB N28 var. S. -. Michael D. O’Hara, „A Curious and Interesting Solidus for the Mint of Naples under Justinian II”, Numismatic Circular, March 1988, pp. 43-44 (this piece). 4,33 g. Some weakness in rev. legend. Otherwise uncirculated. Ex Harlan Berk Chicago 2000. Ex Auction Sotheby’s 7214, Lot 326. As an interesting afterthought the Sotheby cataloguer wrote following: “The emperor’s crown is unusual on this example in that there are two bars to either side of the central cross. O’Hara, remarking on their superficial similarity to depictions of the horns of the Devil, suggested that this may represent a satirical comment by the Duke of Naples on the Sixth Ecumenical Council of 687! This seems rather an elaborate theory as it requires special pleading for the crown, date of the coin and attitude of the Western Church to Justinian, but the style of the crown is not paralleled elsewhere and no other explanation seems to have been offered. 4000.-

168


Mint of Ravenna

Fractions

3377

3377 Tremissis 687/695. Obv. d N I×ST – INIAN O PP Draped, cuirassed bust with diadem to r. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×St Cross potent, pointed Θ in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 71 var. MIB 36. S. 1321 var. (uncertain Italian mint). 1,45 g. Small edge fault. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 62 Osnabrück. March 13, 2001. Lot 955. 1500.-

Uncertain Italian Mint

3378

3378 Solidus 685/695. Obv. d – N I×STINI – AN×S P’ AV Crowned facing bust with short beard, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Four pellets on chlamys. Rev. VICTORA – AV× ’ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below (B retrograde). DOC -. MIB -. S. -. 4,32 g. Extremely rare. Thin scratches on rev. Otherwise about extremely fine. Ex Auction Sotheby’s 7214. Lot 337. Ex Auction Crédit Suisse Bern. 1994. Lot 703. A bust with four pellets, or any pellets, seems to be unparalleled in the respective literature. 2000.-

169

LEONTIUS

LEONTIUS, 695-698

Leontius came from a noble and rich family and pursued a career in the military. After being defeated at the Battle of Sebastopolis by the Arabs (his Slav troops had deserted to the enemy), he was blamed for the outcome and imprisoned for three years. After that time he was released by Justinianus and made commander of the Theme Hellas. He immediately began plotting against the emperor and replaced him in late 695. His rule was ineffectual. During this time the exarchate of Africa and its important capital Carthage were taken by the Arabs who reached the Atlantic at the end of the century. The fleet that had been sent to aid Carthage failed, and the commander deemed it more prudent to overthrow the emperor upon his return than to admit failure. Constantinople suffered a long siege, the plague and finally was taken by Apsimar (Tiberius III) through treason. Leontius had his nose slit and was banished to a monastery. Apparently there were no living former emperors around who did not have this mark of distinction.


3379

3379 Solidus 695/698. Officina S. Obv. D L’O – N P’ AV Crowned bust in loros facing, in r. hand akakia, in l. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORIA – AVS× S Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1f. MIB 1. S. 1330. 4,43 g. Uncirculated. Ex SBC Zurich. Direct purchase 1998. 2000.-

3380

3380 Solidus 695/698. Officina Θ. Obv. D L’O – N P’ AV Crowned bust in loros facing, in r. hand akakia, in l. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORIA – AVS× Θ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1h. MIB 1. S. 1330. 4,47 g. Some weaknesses on rev. About uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex SKA Monetarium Zurich. List December 1991. No. 72. 1700.-

170

LEONTIUS

Fractions

3381

3381 Tremissis 695/698. Obv. D L’O – N P’ AG Crowned bust in loros facing, in l. hand akakia, in r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. VICTORIA – AVS×S Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 4. MIB 5. S. 1333. 1,40 g. Very rare. Minor traces of overstriking. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 29 Zurich. May 11, 2005. Lot 702. 2000.-

Mint of Syracuse

3382

3382 Solidus 695/698. Officina illegible. Obv. (D) L’O(N AV) Crowned bust in loros facing; holding mappa in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Rev. (VICTORIA) – A(V)× Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 12ff. MIB 10. S. 1339. 4,04 g. Very rare. Shaved. Very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 182 Osnabrück. March 14, 2011. Lot 1074 750.-

171

TIBERIUS III APSIMAR

TIBERIUS III APSIMAR, 698-705

A naval officer of Germanic origin, Apsimar gained command of the Byzantine fleet that had been sent to North Africa. With the fleet and aid from the military, the imperial guard and political factions, he was able to take Constantinople and had Leontius mutilated and banished. His attention was given the Eastern frontier and he had some success in the struggle with the Arabs.

In the meantime the banished Emperor Justinianus II had fled to the court of the Bulgar Khan Tervel whom he convinced to aid him in his bid for the Byzantine throne. No one really wanted to see the return of Justinianus and the city closed its gates to him and his Bulgar/Slav army. However, an unused aqueduct pipe was found through which entry was gained and Tiberius fled to Bithynia where he was captured some months later. He and Leontius were beheaded in the hippodrome


3383

3383 Solidus 698/705. Officina B. Obv. D TIb’RI – ×S P’ – AV Crowned cuirassed bust facing. Spear in r. hand held diagonally in front of chest; shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA – AVS× B Cross potent on three steps. COHOB below. DOC 1b. MIB 1. S. 1360. 4,28 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 64 Basel. January 24, 2006. Lot 328. 1200.-

3384

3384 Solidus 698/705. Officina Γ. Obv. D TIb’RI – ×S P’ – AV Crowned cuirassed bust facing. Spear in r. hand held diagonally in front of chest; shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA – AVS× Γ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1 (officina not listed). MIB 1. S. 1360. 4,38 g. Uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex UBS AG direct purchase 2000. 1000.-

172


3385

3385 Solidus 698/705. Officina ’. Obv. D TIb’RI – ×S P’ – AV Crowned cuirassed bust facing. Spear in r. hand held diagonally in front of chest; shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA – AVS× ’ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1d. MIB 1. S. 1360. 4,48 g. Tiny metal flaws. About uncirculated. Ex SKA Monetarium direct purchase 1983. 1000.-

3386

3386 Solidus 698/705. Officina S. Obv. D TIB’RI – ×S P’ AV Crowned, cuirassed bust with short beard facing. In r. hand spear held diagonally in front of body. On l. shoulder shield with horseman device. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× S Cross potent on three steps. DOC 1e. MIB 1. S. 1360. 4,48 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. April 2007. Lot 394. 1000.-

3387

3387 Solidus 698/705. Officina Z. Obv. D TIb’RI – ×S P’ – AV Crowned cuirassed bust facing. Spear in r. hand held diagonally in front of chest; shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA – AVS× Z Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1f. MIB 1. S. 1360. 4,29 g. Virtually as struck. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex SBC direct purchase 1998. 1200.-

173


Fractions

3388

3388 Semissis 698/705. Obv. d TIB’RI – ×S P’ – AV Crowned cuirassed bust facing. Spear in r. hand held diagonally in front of chest; shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR(IA) AV×S Cross potent on globe. DOC 3. MIB 7. S. 1362. 2,19 g. Rare. Partially weak strike. Light scratches on rev. Extremely fine-about extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 29 Zurich. May 11, 2005. Lot 703. 600.-

3389

3389 Tremissis 698/705. Obv. d TIB’RI – ×S P’ – AV Crowned cuirassed bust facing. Spear in r. hand held diagonally in front of chest; shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR(I)A AVS×S Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 4. MIB 8. S. 1363. 1,39 g. Rare. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Leu Numismatik.Zurich. May 10, 2004. Lot 862. 600.-

Mint in Sardinia

3390

3390 Tremissis 698/705. Obv. d TI(B’RI – ×S P’) – A(V) Crowned cuirassed bust facing. Spear in r. hand held diagonally in front of chest; shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIA AVS× Cross potent. + in l. field, S in r. CONOB below. DOC 19. MIB 18. S. 1376. 1,18 g. Very rare. Minor marks. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 831. 1500.-

174


Mint of Syracuse

3391

3391 Solidus 698/705. Obv. D TIBERI – (AV)× P Crowned, cuirassed bust with short beard facing. In r. hand spear held diagonally in front of body. On l. shoulder shield with horseman device. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Letters A in inscription elongated. Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 21h2. MIB 22. S. 1380. 4,07 g. Very rare. Some weakness. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Muenzzentrum Rheinland 152 Solingen. September 2, 2009, Lot 816. Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel Stock List 514. 1988. No. 35. 1500.-

Mint of Naples

3392

3392 Solidus 698/705. Obv. D TIB’R - I×S P - AV Crowned cuirassed bust facing. Spear in r. hand held diagonally in front of chest; shield with horseman device on l. shoulder. Rev. VICTOR - AV× Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 34. MIB 52. S. 1397. 3,98 g. Very rare. Reverse nicks and graffiti. Good very fine. Ex Auction Triton III New York. December 1, 1999. Lot 1307. 4000.-

175

JUSTINIANUS II, 2nd Reign

JUSTINIANUS II, 2nd Reign 705-711

After escaping his banishment and finding refuge with the Khazars and then with the Bulgars, Justinianus was able to enter Constantinople with a Bulgar army.

His driving force was now revenge on those who had ousted him 9 years before. He instituted a veritable reign of terror, going so far as to blind the Patriarch Kallinikos I. Aside from murder and terror he did practically nothing that would count as the rule of an emperor. Being totally preoccupied with seeking personal revenge, he neglected the East where the Arabs attacked Cilicia and Cappadocia. He did send a naval expedition to Cherson to punish that city for his treatment while banished there. The fleet and the citizens of Cherson however, allied themselves. A second fleet was sent to punish the first fleet and Cherson. But this fleet, also allied itself with the first fleet and the inhabitants. Now he no longer had any support at all and the fleets returned under a general named Bardanes, took Constantinople and killed Justinianus and his infant son.


3393

3393 Solidus 705/711. Obv. d N IhS ChS R’X R’GNANTI×M Bust of Christ facing, with curly hair and short beard. He wears pallium and colobium and raises r. hand in benediction, book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. � N I×S – TINIA - N×S M×LT×S AN´ Crowned bust facing wearing loros; in r. hand cross potent on three steps, in l. hand patriarchal cross on globe inscribed PAX. DOC 1. MIB 1. S. 1413. 4,40 g. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 556. 2000.-

With Tiberius

3394

3394 Solidus 705/711. Obv. d N IhS ChS R’X R’GNANTI×M Bust of Christ facing, with curly hair and short beard. He wears pallium and colobium and raises r. hand in benediction, book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. � N I×STINIAN – ×S ’T TIb’RI×S PP A´ Crowned half-length figures of Justinianus II on l. and small figure of Tiberius on r. Both wearing divitision and chlamys, jointly holding with their r. hands a cross potent on two steps. DOC 2a. MIB 2a. S. 1414. 4,37 g. Slight weaknesses in the legend, otherwise uncirculated. Ex SKA Monetarium Zurich. List May 1991. No. 90. 1500.-

176


3395

3395 Solidus 705/711. Obv. d N IhS ChS R’X R’GNANTI×M Bust of Christ facing, with curly hair and short beard. He wears pallium and colobium and raises r. hand in benediction, book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. � N I×STINIAN – ×S ’T TIb’RI×S PP A´ Crowned half-length figures of Justinianus II on l. and small figure of Tiberius on r. Both wearing divitision and chlamys, jointly holding with their r. hands a cross potent on two steps. 4,35 g. Brilliant uncirculated. DOC 2a. MIB 2a. S. 1414. Ex SKA Monetarium Zurich direct purchase April 1983. 2000.-

3396

3396 Solidus 705/711. Obv. d N IhS ChS R’X R’GNANTI×M Bust of Christ facing, with curly hair and short beard. He wears pallium and colobium and raises r. hand in benediction, book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. � N I×STINIAN – ×S ’T TIb’RI×S PP A´ Crowned half-length figures of Justinianus II on l. and almost equal size figure of Tiberius on r. Both wearing divitision and chlamys, jointly holding with their r. hands a cross potent on two steps. DOC 2b. MIB 2b. S. 1415 4,44 g. Tiny scuff. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 45 Zurich. September 15, 1998. Lot 1229. 1500.-

177


Fractions

3397

3397 Semissis 705/711. Earlier part of reign. Obv. d N IhS ChS R’X R’GNANTI×M Bust of Christ facing. Cross behind his head. In his l. hand Book of Gospels, his r. hand raised in benediction. He has curly hair and a close cut beard and wears pallium and colobium. Rev. (D N I×STINIAN×S ET) Tib’Ri×S PP Half-length figures of Justinianus on l. and smaller Tiberius on r. Both facing, crowned and wearing divitision and chlamys. They jointly hold between them a cross potent on globe. DOC 4a. MIB 4a. S. 1417. 2,11 g. Rare. Some weakness on rev. edges, otherwise extremely fine. 2000.-

3398

3398 Semissis 705/711. Later part of reign, Obv. d N IhS ChS R’X R’GNANTI×M Bust of Christ facing. Cross behind his head. In his l. hand Book of Gospels, his r. hand raised in benediction. He has curly hair and a close cut beard and wears pallium and colobium. Rev. (D N I×STINIAN×S ET Tib’Ri×S PP) Half-length figures of Justinianus on l. and Tiberius, of equal size, on r. Both facing, crowned and wearing divitision and chlamys. They jointly hold between them a cross potent on globe. DOC 4b. MIB 4b. S. 1418. 2,26 g. Rare. Small mounting trace. Very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 158 Osnabrück. September 28, 2009. 300.-

3399

3399 Tremissis 705/711. Obv. (d N IhS ChS) R’X R’GNANTI×M Bust of Christ facing. Cross behind his head. In his l. hand Book of Gospels, his r. hand raised in benediction. He has curly hair and a close cut beard and wears pallium and colobium. Rev. (� N I×S – TINIA - N×S M×)LT×S AN´ Crowned bust facing wearing loros; in r. hand cross potent on three steps, in l. hand patriarchal cross on globe inscribed PAX. DOC 5. MIB 5. S. 1419. 1,38 g. Rare. Very fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 29, 1998. Lot 589. 400.-

178


3400

3400 Tremissis 705/711. Later part of reign. Obv. d N IhS ChS R’X R’(GNANTI×M) Bust of Christ facing. Cross behind his head. In his l. hand Book of Gospels, his r. hand raised in benediction. He has curly hair and a close cut beard and wears pallium and colobium. Rev. (D N I×S)TINIAN×S ET Tib’Ri×S PP A) Half-length figures of Justinianus on l. and Tiberius, of equal size, on r. Both facing, crowned and wearing divitision and chlamys. They jointly hold between them a cross potent on base without steps. DOC 6b. MIB 6b. S. 1421. 1,32 g. Rare. Slightly shaved. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Muenzzentrum Rheinland 152 Solingen. September 2, 2009, Lot 819. Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel Stock List. 1979. No. 43. 1000.-

Mint of Syracuse

3401

3401 Solidus 709/710. Year H. Obv. Legend practically illegible. Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – A××Θ Cross potent on three steps. H in r. field. CONOB below. DOC 43 (first reign). MIB 14. S. 1283. 4,08 g. Extremely rare. Obverse struck from worn dies. Reverse extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 21 Zurich. May 5, 2001. Lot 618. 2000.-

179


Fractions

3402

3402 Tremissis 705/709. Obv. (D) I×STI – NI(AN×S PP) Draped, cuirassed bust to r. with diadem. Rev. VICTORI(A – A)V× Cross potent on globe, K on r. DOC -. MIB 21a. S. 1293. 1,55 g. Very rare. Very fine-extremely fine. Ex Auction Muenzzentrum Rheinland 152 Solingen. September 2, 2009. Lot 820. Ex Auction Münzen & Medaillen AG Deutschland 1 Stuttgart. 1997. Lot 817. 500.-

Mint of Ravenna

3403

3403 Tremissis 705/711. Obv. D – (--)T(-) – NS P’A(-) Crowned bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. VCTORI – (A) V (--) Cross potent, K in lower r. COHOB below. DOC 77a var. (1st Reign). MIB 38. S. 1325 var. (1st Reign). 1,26 g. Very rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction Spink 1239. July 13, 2000. Lot 559. Ex Stanley Gibbons list 26, no. 77. 1000.-

180

PHILIPPICUS BARDANES

PHILIPPICUS BARDANES, 711-713

Philippicus had some success in battling the Bulgars in the Northwest, but could do little against Arab raids in Asia Minor. In addition he incurred the wrath of Pope Constantine by supporting monotheletism which had been proclaimed a heresy by the 6th Ecumenical Council which he anathematised. The result was that the Pope refused to recognise him. After a rule of 1 ½ years he was deposed by revolting troops, blinded and banished.


3404

3404 Solidus 711/713. Officina B. Obv. � N FIL’PIC×S – M×L - T×S AN Crowned bust facing, wearing loros and holding globe cruciger in r. hand as well as eagle tipped sceptre in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× B Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1b. MIB 1. S. 1447. 4,40 g. Uncirculated. MIB 1. Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel direct purchase at the Zurich International Coin Convention in Oerlikon 1999 2500.-

3405

3405 Solidus 711/713. Officina ’. Obv. � N FIL’PIC×S – M×L - T×S AN Crowned bust facing, wearing loros and holding globe cruciger in r. hand as well as eagle tipped sceptre in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× ’ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1e. MIB 1. S. 1447. 4,38 g. Slight weakness on rev. Extremely fine. Ex UBS AG direct purchase in 2000. 1500.-

181

PHILIPPICUS BARDANES

3406

3406 Solidus 711/713. Officina Θ. Obv. � N FIL’PIC×S – M×L - T×S AN Crowned bust facing, wearing loros and holding globe cruciger in r. hand as well as eagle tipped sceptre in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1i. MIB 1. S. 1447. 4,47 g. Cabinet piece. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex SKA Monetarium Zurich. List May 1999. No. 91. 3000.-

3407

3407 Solidus 711/713. Officina I. Obv. � N FIL’PIC×S – M×L - T×S AN Crowned bust facing, wearing loros and holding globe cruciger in r. hand as well as eagle tipped sceptre in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× I Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1j. MIB 1. S. 1447. 4,42 g. Uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction Corny & Mosch 100 Munich. November 20, 1999. Lot 1096. 2000.-

Fractions

3408

3408 Tremissis 711/713. Obv. (�) N FIL’(PIC×S – M×L - T×S AN) Crowned bust facing, wearing loros and holding globe cruciger in r. hand as well as eagle tipped sceptre in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× I Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 6. MIB 6. S. 1452. 1,36 g. Very rare. Tight flan. Almost very fine-very fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 52 Zurich. September 11, 2001. Lot 330. 500.-

182

ANASTASIUS II ARTEMIUS

Mint of Syracuse

3409

3409 Solidus 711/713. Obv. (d N) FIL’(PI CO PP AV) Crowned bust facing, wearing loros and holding globe cruciger in r. hand as well as eagle tipped sceptre in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA - A×× Cross potent on three steps. (CONOB) off flan. DOC 16. MIB 10. S. 1458. 3,99 g. Extremely rare. Graffiti on rev. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Triton III New York. December 1999. Lot 1312. 8000.-

ANASTASIUS II ARTEMIUS, 713-715

Anastasius had been a court official and was chosen as emperor by those who had staged the coup against Philippicus. He regained favour for the Empire with Pope Constantine by reversing Philippicus’ monothelite decrees, fortified Constantinople, made Rhodes the Empire’s naval base and sent Leo, who was later to become emperor, to defend Syria against the Arabs. However, troops in the Opsikien Theme rebelled and proclaimed a certain Theodosius emperor. After a 6 month civil war Anastasius was deposed and became a monk in Thessalonica. An abortive attempt to regain power in the reign of Leo III cost him his life.


3410

3410 Solidus 713/715. Officina A. Obv. (D N AP)TEMI×S A - NASTASI×S M×L Crowned, facing bust with short beard, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× A Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 2a. MIB 2. S. 1463. 4,47 g. Some weaknesses in the legends, otherwise brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 52 Osnabrück. September 1999. Lot 3636. 2500.-

183


3411

3411 Solidus 713/715. Officina Θ. Obv. � N APTEMI×S A - NASTASI×S M×L Crowned, facing bust with short beard, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Θ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 2h. MIB 2. S. 1463. 4,53 g. Uncirculated-almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS 64 Basel. January 24, 2006. Lot 330. 2000.-

3412

3412 Solidus 713/715. Officina ’Θ. Obv. � N APTEMI×S A - NASTASI×S M×L Crowned, facing bust with short beard, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×’Θ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 3a. MIB 3. S. 1464 4,51 g. About uncirculated. Ex SKA Monetarium Zurich direct purchase 1988. 2000.-

Fractions

3413

3413 Semissis 713/715. No officina. Obv. D N APTEMI×S A - NASTASI×S M×L Crowned, facing bust with short beard, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV×S Cross potent on three steps. DOC 4. MIB 4. S. 1465. 2,16 g. Rare. Slight bend. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 557. 1000.-

184


3414

3414 Tremissis 713/715. No officina. Obv. (D N APTE)MI×S A – NAS(TASI×S M×L) Crowned, facing bust with short beard, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA AV×S Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 5. MIB 7. S. 1467. 1,39 g. Very fine-extremely fine. Ex UBS AG direct purchase 2000. 500.-

Mint of Naples

3415

3415 Solidus 713/715. Obv. –D ANAS – TASI×S P A Crowned, facing bust with short beard, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. VICTOR – AV×• Cross potent on three steps, star on r. CONOB below. DOC 15 var. MIB 14. S. 1476. 4,15 g. Very rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Astarte Lugano. May 11, 1998. Lot 362. 5000.-

Mint of Ravenna

3416

3416 Solidus 713/715. Obv. d N ART – IMIVS AN Crowned, facing bust with short beard, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – AV× Δ Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 23 var. S. 1483. 4,32 g. Ragged flan. Otherwise about extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 107 Chicago. March 1999. Lot 66. Ex Auction Sotheby’s New York. November 2, 1998. Lot 383. Ex Auction Bank Leu 38 Zurich. May 13, 1986. The specimens listed by DOC, MIB, Sear all refer to the letter A following AV×. Although alpha and delta were sometimes used interchangeably, our specimen appears to have the delta symbol and not a corrupted alpha. 5000.-

185

THEODOSIUS III OF ADRAMYTIUM

THEODOSIUS III OF ADRAMYTIUM, 715-717

Theodosius III was a financial civil servant and tax collector. He may have been the son of the former Emperor Tiberius III. Although chosen as emperor he tried to avoid the office by hiding in the forests. Nevertheless, once acclaimed he laid siege to Constantinople and after 6 months took the capital. He was not brutal or vengeful and allowed the former emperor Anastasius to retire to a monastery.

Hr too was faced with Arab invasions of Anatolia and formed an alliance with the Bulgarians. This was of immense importance for the future because in 719 the Bulgarians helped relieve the 2nd Siege of Constantinople by the Arabs.

Altogether not much is known of his short reign. In 717 Leo the Isaurian rebelled and forced him and his son to retire into ecclesiastic life. He or his son may have become Bishop of Ephesus.


3417

3417 Solidus 715/717. Officina Δ. Obv. D N TH’ODOSI×S M×L A Crowned bust with short beard facing wearing loros. In r. hand globe cruciger with patriarchal cross, in l. hand akakia. Rev. VICTORIΛ – AV× Δ Cross potent on three steps. DOC 1 (officina not listed). MIB 1. S. 1487. 4,39 g. Very rare. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 133 Munich. October 11, 2004. Lot 573. 7500.-

186

THEODOSIUS III OF ADRAMYTIUM

Fractions

3418

3418 Tremissis 715/717. Obv. d N TH’(OdOSI×S M×L A) Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing loros and holding patriarchal cross on globe in r. hand. Rev. VICTORIA A(V×)S Cross potent. CONOB below. DOC 4. MIB 4. S. 1490. 1,45 g. Very rare. Tight flan. Very fine-almost extremely fine. 1500.-

Mint of Naples

3419

3419 Solidus (debased gold) 715/717. Obv. (----)TI – ’ODOSI×S Broad, crowned bust with short beard wearing loros, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger with patriarchal cross, in l. hand akakia. Rev. VICTOI – R AV× Cross potent on three steps. Star on r. CONOB below. DOC 10 var. MIB 7. S. 1497. S. Boutin, Collection N. K. Maastricht, 1983, 488 = Bourgey, 27 October1992, 412 (same obverse die). Ricotti Prina 44-46. 4,00 g. Extremely rare. Some scratches on rev. Good very fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 839. 7000.-

187

LEO III THE "ISAURIAN"

LEO III THE “ISAURIAN”, 717-741

Leo had allied himself with Artavasdus, strategus of the Anatolikon theme, to overthrow the weak emperor Theodosius III. Within 6 months of his proclamation the Arabs once more besieged Constantinople with an army and fleet of some 100’000 men. Leo III can also be credited with saving Europe from an Arab invasion. The strong walls, the determination of the defenders and the use of the secret weapon “Greek Fire”, coupled with the aid of the Bulgarians led the Arabs to give up the siege after 12 months. His battle against the Arabs continued throughout his reign, culminating in a great victory at Acroinon in 740.

He reformed the governmental administration, brought Slav settlers to depopulated districts and allied himself with the Khazars and Georgians. He abolished the old tax structures, reformed civil and maritime law and formed new administrative districts.

Under his reign the custom of the adoration and worship of holy images was prohibited (iconoclasm) leading to serious trouble within the orthodox church as well as with Rome. The West went so far as to disobey his edict. A revolt in Greece ensued. Even the Patriarch of Constantinople resigned, rather than to obey the decree. For posterity this was a great blow because many works of art were lost forever in the zealousness of the iconoclasts. Rome excommunicated the iconoclasts. In return, Leo transferred Italy and Illyricum from the papal diocese to the Patriarch of Constantinople. Ravenna revolted and became for all matters no longer subject to the empire. A state of affairs that is hardly conceivable for modern minds. The threat of utter destruction by the Arabs on one side – and waging war against one another because of holy pictures!


3420

3420 Solidus 717/720. Officina A. Obv. d NO L’O – N P A M×L Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. Rev. VICTORIA – (AV)× A Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 1a. MIB 1. S. 1502. 4,46 g. Uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 52 Osnabrück. September 1999. Lot 3637. Although the officina letter, at first glance, might appear to be a delta, I believe it is rather an elongated A with the cross bar sloppily drawn at the bottom, by the engraver. 1500.-

188


3421

3421 Solidus 717/720. Officina ΘC. Obv. d NO L’ON P A M×L Crowned bust with short beard in chlamys facing; in r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand akakia. Rev. VICTORIA AV× ΘC Cross potent on three steps. CONOB below. DOC 2 (officina not listed). MIB 2 (officina not listed). S. 1503 (officina not listed). 4,44 g. Rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction Nomisma 39 San Marino. October 10, 2009. Lot 1839. 2500.-

With Constantinus V

3422

3422 Solidus 725/732. Obv. d NO L’O - N P A M×L Crowned bust with short beard in chlamys facing; in r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand akakia. Rev. d N CONST – ANTIN×S M Bust of Constantinus V facing, beardless, crowned and holding globe cruciger in r. and akakia in l. hand. DOC 5. S. 1504. 4,45 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec 2007 Zurich. Lot 397. 1000.-

3423

3423 Solidus 720/725. Officina B. Obv. d NO L’O - N P A M×L Crowned bust with short beard in chlamys facing; in r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand akakia. Rev. d N CONST – ANTIN×S M B Bust of Constantinus V facing, beardless, crowned and holding globe cruciger in r. and akakia in l. hand. DOC 4b.2. S. 1504. 4,44 g. Uncirculated. Ex SKA Monetarium List Mai 1991. No. 94. The officina letter B is extremely small. 1000.-

189


3424

3424 Solidus 720/725. Officina ’. Obv. d NO L’O - N P A M×L Crowned bust with short beard in chlamys facing; in r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand akakia. Rev. d N CONST – ANTIN×S M ’ Bust of Constantinus V facing, beardless, crowned and holding globe cruciger in r. and akakia in l. hand. DOC 4 (officina not listed). S. 1504. 4,42 g. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 1998. Lot 590. 750.-

3425

3425 Solidus 720/725. Officina I. Obv. d NO L’O - N P A M×L Crowned bust with short beard in chlamys facing; in r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand akakia. Rev. d N CONST – ANTIN×S M I Bust of Constantinus V facing, beardless, crowned and holding globe cruciger in r. and akakia in l. hand. DOC 4 (officina not listed). S. 1504. 4,46 g. Uncirculated. Ex SKA Monetarium List December 1991. No. 76. 1000.-

3426

3426 Solidus 737/741. No officina. Obv. b NO L’O - N P A M×L Crowned bust with short beard in chlamys facing; in r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand akakia. Rev. d b N CONS - TANTIN×S Bust of Constantinus V facing, beardless, crowned and holding globe cruciger in r. and akakia in l. hand DOC 7 var. S. 1504. 4,45 g. About extremely fine-extremely fine. Ex Auction Tkalec February 29, 2000. Lot 470. 1500.-

190


Fractions

3427

3427 Semissis 732/741. Obv. � N L’O – N PA M×L Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. � N CONS – TANTINV(--) Crowned bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding cross potent on globe in r. hand. DOC -. S. 1506 var. 2,22 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Leu Numismatik 91 Zurich. May 10, 2004. The citations in the Leu catalogue do not apply as they refer to a solidus. 1000.-

3428

3428 Tremissis 720/725. Obv. d N L’O – NPAM×L Crowned bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. d N (CON)STA – (NTI)N× SM× Young bust of Constantinus V facing, crowned, wearing chlamys and holding cross potent on base in r. hand. DOC 16.2 var. S. 1508. 1,44 g. Die flaw. About extremely fine-very fine. Ex Auction Heidelberger Münzhandlung 46 Heidelberg. Lot 263. 400.-

191


Mint of Syracuse

With Constantinus V

3429

3429 Solidus c. 735/741 Obv. CÈO L’O – È P A W× Crowned bust with short beard in chlamys facing, globe cruciger in r. hand; akakia in l. hand. Rev. C N CON – (ST)AÈTIN×) Bust of Constantinus V facing, beardless, crowned and holding globe cruciger in r. and akakia in l. hand. DOC 45. S. 1524. 3,88 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. October 26, 2007. Lot 256. 2000.-

3430

3430 Solidus c. 735/741 Obv. CNO L’O – È P A W× Crowned bust with short beard in chlamys facing, globe cruciger in r. hand; akakia in l. hand. Rev. C N CON – STA(NTIÈ×) Bust of Constantinus V facing, beardless, crowned and holding globe cruciger in r. and akakia in l. hand. DOC 45. S. 1524. 3,89 g. Extremely fine-almost extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 159 Munich. October 8, 2007. Lot 512. 1500.-

192


Fractions

3431

3431 Semissis 735/741. Obv. Garbled legend (--- PP A) Crowned bust with short beard in chlamys facing, globe cruciger in r. hand; akakia in l. hand. Rev. (---) CSTAP × followed by a dot under a tiny recumbent S?. Followed by I? Crowned bust of his father Leo III facing, in chlamys, holding globe with cross potent in r. hand. DOC 46-47 var. S. 1526. $1,51 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 847. Ex Auction Kunst & Münzen 3 Lugano. November 6, 1969. Lot 397. The Leu cataloguer placed this coin under Constantinus V, describing the emperor with a beard and his father without beard. I feel more comfortable with the assumption that it is actually an issue of Leo III showing the young emperor Constantinus on the reverse. The few identifiable letters of the legends would seem to fit this assumption. 500.-

3432

3432 Tremissis 720/735 Obv. (d) N L’ – ON PA (M×L) Crowned bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. (d N CONS) – TANTIN Young bust of Constantinus V facing, crowned, wearing chlamys and holding cross potent on base in r. hand. DOC 48. S. 1540C (uncertain Italian mint). 1,26 g. Good very fine. Ex Auction Münzen & Medaillen Deutschland 6 Stuttgart. March 23, 2000. Lot 432. 400.-

3433

3433 Tremissis 735/741. Obv. d L – ’ON P A Crowned bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Legend off flan. Young bust of Constantinus V facing, crowned, wearing chlamys and holding cross potent on base in r. hand. DOC 51 var. S. 1528A var. 1,17 g. Ragged edge and some metal faults on rev. Extremely fine. Auction Bank Leu 75 Zurich. October 27, 1999. Lot 1641. Whether the mint is Syracuse, an unidentified western or Italian mint seems too be pure conjecture until a serious and thorough study of the coins of Leo III and Constantine has been made. 500.-

193


3434

3434 Tremissis 735/741. Obv. Legend mainly off flan. Crowned bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Legend mainly off flan. Young bust of Constantinus V facing, crowned, wearing chlamys and holding cross potent on base in r. hand. DOC 51 var. S. 1528a. 1,26 g. Good very fine-very fine. Ex UBS AG direct purchase 2002. See note above. 350.-

Mint of Naples

3435

3435 Tremissis 717/720. Obv. D NO – L’ON Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. VICTOR – A× Π (vertical) Cross potent on elongated base. Star in r. field. CONOB below. DOC -. MIB 14 (this coin). S. 1540A (uncertain Italian mints). 1,54 g. Probably unique. Good very fine. Ex Auction Spink 144 New York. September 2000. Lot 575. Ex SKA Monetarium Price List, May 1987. No. 130. Ex Auction Sternberg 8 Zurich. November 1978. Lot 897. The Spink cataloguer places this coin under Rome without giving any explanation. Although Sear places it under unidentified Italian mints, the mint mark star has been attributed to Naples. 1000.-

194


Mint of Rome

With Constantinus V

3436

3436 Tremissis 720/721. Indiction Γ Obv. D NO L’ – P A M×L Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. (D NO) CO – (NTANTI) Crowned bust facing wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger. In field on l. star, in field on r. Γ. DOC 81. S. 1534. 1,18 g. Very rare. Very fine. Ex Auction Spink New York. July 13, 2000. 1500.-

3437

3437 Tremissis 722/723. Indiction S. Obv. D NO L’ – P A M×L Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. D NO (CON) – TANTI Crowned bust facing wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger. In field on l. star, in field on r. S. DOC 78ff. var. S. 1534 var. 1,29 g. Unedited. Very rare. Very fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 107 Munich. April 2, 2001. Lot 675. 1500.-

Uncertain Italian Mint

3438

3438 Solidus 720/741. Obv. (D N)O L’ – (P A )M(×L) Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Globe on breast. Rev. N D CO – SNTAN Crowned bust facing wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger. Dot between cross of globe and bust. DOC 43 var. (Syracuse). S. 1537B. 3,95 g. Rare. Very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 57 Osnabrück. March 8, 2005. Lot 2091. 1500.-

195

ARTAVASDUS

ARTAVASDUS, 742-743

Artavasdus was the governor of the Theme Armeniakon and had conspired with Leo III to depose the emperor Theodosius III. In return he married Leo’s daughter Anna and also became governor of the Opsikion theme. After Leo’s death he attacked his brother-in-law Constantinus V while the latter was on the way to battle the Arabs in the East. Constantinus had to flee and Artavasdus marched into Constantinople to much acclaim. He immediately revoked the iconoclast decrees and gained much popularity, specially with the West. Constantinus V, however, gained support and forces in the provinces and in two battles defeated Artavasdus, as well as his son Niketas. Upon entry into Constantinople he had Artavasdus and his sons apprehended and publicly blinded.


With Nicephorus

3439

2:1

3439 Solidus 742/743. Obv. b N ARTA× – ASD×S M× Crowned bust with slight beard facing, wearing chlamys. In r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand akakia. Rev. b NIChFOR – ×S M×LT× Θ Crowned bust facing, wearing loros. In r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand akakia. DOC 3c. S. 1543. Füeg 3. A2 (this coin cited). 4,47 g. Extremely rare. One of the finest known. Virtually as struck with much lustre. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 844. Ex Auction Münzen & Medaillen AG 43 Basel. November 12, 1970. Lot 595. 50000.-

196

CONSTANTINUS V COPRONYMUS

CONSTANTINUS V COPRONYMUS, 741-775

Constantinus V is considered to be one of the most able of the Byzantine emperors. After regaining the capital from Artavasdus, fighting on two fronts, he was able to take advantage of the Caliphates dynastic problems and regained territory in the East, even sending expeditions into the Lebanon. On the western front he defeated the Bulgarians and Slavs, regaining Byzantine hegemony over the Balkans. Apparently Italy had been considered lost and no effort was made against the Langobards who took Ravenna in 751 without great resistance. Even the Pope turned to the Franks for help against the Langobards instead of the Emperor. The contemporary chronicles give a very negative picture of Constantinus. He supposedly was an avid iconoclast and persecuted the monasteries. He instituted administrative reforms and strengthened the army and navy. Constantinus died of an illness on a campaign against the Bulgarians in 775.


3440

3440 Solidus 741/751. Obv. B C – ON – STANTIN× NC (NC ligate) Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding cross potent in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. G – L’ – ON P A M×L Facing bust of Leo III, the emperor’s deceased father, crowned, with short beard and wearing chlamys. He holds cross potent in r. hand and akakia in l, hand. DOC 1. S. 1550. 4,44 g. Rare. Attractive specimen. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. 2007. Lot 398. 1500.-

3441

3441 Solidus 741/751. Obv. b N CO – N – STANTIN× NC (NC ligate). Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding cross potent in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. b - L’ – ON P A M×L Θ Facing bust of Leo III, the emperor's deceased father, crowned, with short beard and wearing chlamys. He holds cross potent in r. hand and akakia in l, hand. DOC 1b var. S. 1550. 4,44 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. February 29, 2000. Lot 471. 1200.-

197


3442

3442 Solidus 741/751. Obv. b N CO – N S – TANTIN×S. Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding cross potent in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. b N D L - ’O – N P A M×L Θ Facing bust of Leo III, the emperor’s deceased father, crowned, with short beard and wearing chlamys. He holds cross potent in r. hand and akakia in l, hand. Doc 1b. S. 1550. 14,45 g. Tiny scuff. Other wise almost uncirculated. Ex SBV direct purchase 1990. 1000.-

With Leo IV

3443

3443 Solidus 751/757. Obv. CO§STANTI§OS S L’O§O §’OS Crowned facing bust of Constantinus on l. with short beard and crowned facing bust of his son Leo IV on r. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above between them. Rev. G – L’ – ON PA M×L Θ Crowned bust of his father Leo III facing, wearing loros and holding cross potent in r. hand. DOC 2c. S. 1551. 4,44 g. Rare. Very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 52 Osnabrück. September 1999. Lot 3639. 600.-

3444

3444 Solidus 751/757. Obv. CO§STANTI§OS S L’O§O §’OS Crowned facing bust of Constantinus on l. with short beard and crowned facing bust of his son Leo IV on r. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above between them. Dot between them. Bust of Leo IV more mature. Rev. G – L’ – ON PA M×L Crowned bust of his father Leo III facing, wearing loros and holding cross potent in r. hand. DOC 2d. S. 1551. 4,47 g. Rare. About extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 49 Zurich. September 11, 2000. Lot 407. 800.-

198


Mint of Syracuse

With Leo IV

3445

3445 Solidus 751/775. Obv. (CONTAN) – Λ’ON Facing, crowned busts of Constantinus V with short beard on l. and crowned young bust of Leo IV on r. Both wearing chlamys. Cross above. Rev. (GNO L) – ’ON P A M × Crowned facing bust of Leo III wearing loros and holding cross potent in r. hand. Θ on r. DOC 15 var. S. 1565. 3,88 g. Rare. Good extremely fine. Auction Tkalec Zurich. October 26, 2007. Lot 257. 2000.-

3446

3446 Solidus 751/775. Obv. Legend off flan. Crowned busts of Constantinus V and Leo IV facing, both in chlamys. Between them long cross. Rev. (GNO L)’ON PA MP ΘC Crowned bust of Leo III facing, wearing loros and holding cross potent in r. hand. DOC -. S. -. Cf. Spahr 328. 3,90 g. Very rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. October 26, 2007. Lot 258. 2500.-

3447

3447 Solidus 751/775. Obv. COT (AN) – L’(ON) Crowned busts of Constantinus V and Leo IV facing, both in chlamys. Cross above. Rev. G – N – OL – ’ON P (---) Crowned bust of his father Leo III facing, wearing loros and holding dross potent in r. hand. DOC 15b2. S. 1565. 3,88 g. Rare. Some weakness. Otherwise extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 33 Zurich. April 6, 2006. Lot 665. 1500.-

199


3448

3448 Solidus 751/775. Obv. Fragmentary legend. (------C L’O) Crowned busts of Constantinus V and Leo IV facing, both in chlamys. Cross above. Rev. (---) L – ’ON PAM Crowned bust of his father Leo III facing, wearing loros and holding dross potent in r. hand. Doc 15A. S. 1565. 3,54 g. Rare. Actually a very handsome coin, though ragged edge. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 107 Chicago. March 1999. Lot 70. 1500.-

Fractions

3449

3449 Tremissis 751/775. Obv. C (-----) STAN Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding cross potent in r. hand. Rev. Legend almost undecipherable L(-)ON Crowned bust of his father Leo III facing in chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 17. S. 1567. 1,22 g. Ragged edge. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex private purchase 2000. 500.-

200


Mint of Rome

With Leo IV

3450

3450 Debased metal solidus 751/775. Obv. � NO CON – TANTN Crowned bust with short beard facing, wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. Rev. � NO L’ – P A M×L Bust of Leo IV facing, wearing crown and chlamys, in r. hand globe cruciger, akakia in l. hand. R in l. field, I in r. field. DOC 36. S. 1570. 2,43 g. Very rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Astarte IX Lugano. May 15, 2002. Lot 460. 1500.-

Fractions

3451

3451 Electrum tremissis 751/775. Obv. D – NO CON – TANOIN Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. Rev. D – NO L’ – PA M×L Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. R in l. field, I in r. field. DOC 43. S. 1574. 1,48 g. Very rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 848. Ex Auction Hess-Leu 45 Lucerne. May 12 1970 (misdescribed). Ex Auction Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. 268 Frankfurt a. M. April 24, 1968. Lot 373 (attributed to Leo III). 750.-

201

LEO IV THE KHAZAR

LEO IV THE KHAZAR, 775-780

Son of Constantinus V, he ascended the throne after his father’s death. Little is known of his reign. He did have some military successes against the Arabs and Bulgarians. Under the influence of his wife, Irene, he moderated the iconoclastic persecution and installed a Patriarch in Constantinople who was pro-iconodule. He died unexpectedly after a 5 year reign.


With Constantinus VI

3452

3452 Solidus 776/780. Obv. L’O§ VS S ’O§ CO§STA§TI§OS O N’OS Θ Crowned facing busts of Leo IV on l., bearded and Constantinus IV, beardless. Both wearing chlamys, cross above. Rev. L’O§ PAP/ CO§STA§TI§OS PATHR Crowned busts of Leo III and Constantinus V, both bearded, facing. Each wears loros. Cross above. DOC 1a1. S. 1583. 4,41 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 52 Zurich. September 11, 2001. Lot 336. 2000.-

3453

3453 Solidus 778/780. Obv. L’O§ VS S ’O§ CO§STA§TI§OS O N’OS Crowned figures of Leo IV on l., bearded and Constantinus IV, beardless, seated on lyre backed double throne. Both wearing chlamys, cross above. Rev. L’O§ PAP/ CO§STA§TI§OS PATHR Crowned busts of Leo III and Constantinus V, both bearded, facing. Each wears loros. Cross above. DOC 2. S. 1584. Füeg 2. a 1x (this coin cited). 4,37 g. Struck on broad flan. Minor flatness on rev. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 850. Ex Auction Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. 268 Frankfurt a. M. April 24, 1986. Lot 376. 2500.-

202

CONSTANTINUS VI AND IRENE

CONSTANTINUS VI AND IRENE, 780-797

Being only nine years old at the time of his father’s death, his mother, Irene, was regent. He forced Irene into exile in 790, but she returned in a year as co-regent. He had no success in his wars against the Bulgarians and proved himself to be a cruel and suspicious ruler. When a popular movement in favour of his uncle Caesar Nikephoros became apparent, he had him blinded and the tongues of his father’s 4 other halfbrothers cut off. The General Alexios Mosele was also blinded in his ever present fear of conspiracy. In the end he had no support left and Irene deposed him in 797 and had him suffer the fate of blindness.


3454

3454 Solidus 780/790. Obv. S I(RI§I) AVΓ (MIT)HR Crowned bust of Constantinus VI in chlamys on l., facing and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r., bust of his mother Irene in loros, wearing elaborate crown, holding globe cruciger in r. hand and cross tipped sceptre in her left. Cross above. Rev. CO§STA§TI§OS..r’B’ Crowned figures of Constantinus V, Leo III and Leo IV seated facing. All wearing chlamys. DOC 1. S. 1593. Füeg 1. a 10 (this coin cited). 4,46 g. Very rare. Very fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 851. Ex Auction Karl Kress 142 Munich. January 22, 1968. Lot 695. 4000.-

3455

3455 Solidus 780/790. Obv. S IRI§I) AVΓ / MI THR Crowned bust of Constantinus VI in chlamys on l., facing and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r., bust of his mother Irene in loros, wearing elaborate crown, holding globe cruciger in r. hand and cross tipped sceptre in her left. Dot in-between. Cross above. Rev. CO§S(TA§T)I§OS..r’B’ Crowned figures of Constantinus V, Leo III and Leo IV seated facing. All wearing chlamys. DOC 1 var. S. 1593 var. 4,32 g. Very rare. Weak in parts. Good very fine. Ex Auction Münzen & Medaillen AG. The New York Sale II, December 2, 1999. Lot 389. 3000,.

203

CONSTANTINUS VI AND IRENE

3456

3456 Solidus 790/792. Obv. CO§STA§TI§OS Crowned bust of Constantinus VI in chlamys on l., facing and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r., bust of his mother Irene in loros, wearing elaborate crown, holding cross tipped sceptre in her l. hand. Dot in-between. Cross above. Rev. SV§ IRI – §I – AVΓ – MITRI A/A/ Crowned figures of Constantinus V, Leo III and Leo IV seated facing. All wearing chlamys. DOC 2. S. 1591. 4,49 g. Beautifully struck, all five portraits clear and sharp. Small roughness on obv. due to gold impurity. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 113 Chicago. March 14, 2000. Lot 67. 5000.-

3457

3457 Solidus 790/792. Obv. S – IRI – AVΓ – MI – THR Crowned bust of Constantinus VI in chlamys on l., facing and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r., bust of his mother Irene in loros, wearing elaborate crown, holding cross tipped sceptre in her l. hand and perhaps, globe cruciger in r. hand (unclear). Dot in-between. Cross above. Rev. CO§STA§ – Ti§OS – C/B/D/ Crowned figures of Constantinus V, Leo III and Leo IV seated facing. All wearing chlamys. DOC 2 var. S. 1592 or 1593. 4,45 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 29, 1998. Lot 597. It is not clear whether Irene has a globe cruciger in front of her. 4500.-

204

CONSTANTINUS VI AND IRENE / IRENE

3458

3458 Solidus 792/797. Obv. IRI§H – AΓOVSTI Crowned bust of Irene facing, wearing loros. In her r. hand globe cruciger, in her l. hand cruciform sceptre. Rev. CO§STA§ – TI§OS BAS/Θ Crowned bust of Constantinus VI in chlamys on l., facing and holding globe cruciger in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. DOC 3a. S. 1594. 4,41 g. Some tiny marks. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 100 Munich. November 20, 1999. Lot 1098. 5000.-

IRENE, 797-802

The first woman Empress turned out to be a failure. Instead of strengthening the borders, she lowered taxes in order to curry favour. The Abbasids in the East and Bulgarians in the West seriously threatened the Empire. And a new Empire had been established in the West by the coronation of Charlemagne in 800. Irene was removed by a palace revolution and exiled to the island of Lesbos.


3459

3459 Solidus 797/802. Obv. ’IRI§H bASILISSH Crowned, facing bust of Irene wearing loros. In her r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand cruciform sceptre. Rev. ’IRI§H bASILISSH Crowned, facing bust of Irene wearing loros. In her r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand cruciform sceptre. DOC 1a. S. 1599. 4,38 g. About extremely fine. Ex SKA Monetarium Zurich. List December 1991. No. 77. 4000.-

205

NICEPHORUS I

NICEPHORUS I, 802-811

Nikephorus had been finance minister under Irene and managed a palace revolution against her. He was immediately confronted by a revolt of the General Bardanes, supported by the later emperors Leo V and Michael II. Managing to quell these usurpers, he reorganized the Empire and increased taxes for military purposes, especially from the clergy. A war over Venice with Charlemagne in 806-810 led to a division of the Italian possessions. His success against the Arabs was less positive. However, against tribute payment he managed to keep the East peaceful and had time to turn against the Bulgarians. He defeated them twice, even sacking their capital Pliska, but his army was afterwards ambushed in the mountains and destroyed. The Emperor was killed and his son Stauracius mortally wounded.


3460

3460 Solidus 802/803. Obv. §ICI – FOROS bASIL’/ Crowned bust facing wearing chlamys, cross potent in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. Rev. IhS×S XRIS – T×S §ICA X Cross potent on three steps. DOC 1b. S. 1603 4,45 g. Very rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 854. Ex Auction Karl Kress 148 Munich. July 21, 1969. Lot 617. 3500.-

With Stauracius

3461

3461 Solidus 803/811. Obv. §ICI – FOROS bASIL’´ Crowned bust OF Nicephorus I facing, wearing chlamys, cross potent in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. Dot in outer l. field. Rev. STAVRA – CIS �’SPO/Θ Crowned bust of Stauracius facing, wearing chlamys, holding globe cruciger in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. DOC 2b1. S. 1604. 4,46 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 52 Zurich. September 11, 2001. Lot 337. 3000.-

206

NICEPHORUS I

3462

3462 Solidus 803/811. Obv. §ICI – FOROS bASIL’´ Crowned bust OF Nicephorus I facing, wearing chlamys, cross potent in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. Dot in outer l. field. Rev. STAVRA – CIS �’SPO/X Crowned bust of Stauracius facing, wearing chlamys, holding globe cruciger in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. DOC 2c.1. S. 1604. 4,43 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. February 29, 2000. Lot 472. 2500.-

Mint of Syracuse

With Stauracius

Fractions

3463

3463 Semissis 803/811. Obv. §I – CFOROS Crowned bust in chlamys facing, globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. (ST) – A×RAC Crowned bust in chlamys facing, globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 7 var. S. 1609. 1,76 g. Very rare. Tight flan. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Münzen & Medaillen Deutschland 6 Stuttgart. March 23, 2000. Lot 437 1500.-

207

MICHAEL I RHANGABE

MICHAEL I RHANGABE, 811-813

The son of the Admiral of the Aegean Fleet, he became emperor by way of family influence and forcing the wounded Stauriacus to abdicate. He began his reign by lowering taxation and persecuting the iconoclasts. He recognised Charlemagne as Emperor and received Venice back as compensation. In an attempt to defeat the Bulgarians he suffered a major defeat and sensing that his reign was herewith ended, abdicated freely and became a monk.


With Theophylactus

3464

3464 Solidus 811/813. Obv. MIXA – HL bASIL’ Crowned, facing bust in chlamys; in r. hand cross potent on long staff, in l. hand akakia. Dot In pouter l. field. Rev. Θ’OFVLA – CTOS D’SPIX Crowned, facing bust in loros, in r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand cruciform sceptre. Dot in outer l. field. DOC 1a. S. 1615. 4,39 g. Extremely rare. Almost uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. October 28, 1998. Lot 375. 10000.-

208

LEO V THE ARMENIAN

LEO V THE ARMENIAN, 813-820

Leo was provincial governor and served in the military in high position. Returning as a survivor from the Battle of Versinikia, he ousted the ineffectual Michael and became emperor. He was able to defeat the Bulgarians in 814 and a 30 year peace was concluded. He reinstituted iconoclast policy and alienated many of the clergy. After arresting one of his major generals, the later Michael III, he was victim of an assassination in the Hagia Sophia on Christmas Day 820 – the utmost sacrilege – by adherents of Michael III.


With Constantinus

3465

3465 Solidus 813/820. Obv. L’ – O§ bASIL’×’ Crowned facing bust with short beard wearing chlamys, cross potent in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Pellet in outer l. field. Rev. CO§ST – A§TI d’SP/ ’ Crowned facing bust wearing chlamys, globe cruciger in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. DOC 2a. S. 1627. 4,44 g. Cabinet piece. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex SKA Monetarium Zurich. List May 1992. No. 82. 4000.-

Mint of Syracuse With Constantinus

Fractions

3466

3466 Semissis 813/820. Obv. L’O – § bASIL’× Crowned facing bust in chlamys, globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. CO – (-------)Crowned bust of Constantinus facing bust in chlamys, cross potent on globe in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. DOC 15 var. S. 1632B. 1,78 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Triton III New York. December 1999. Lot 1326. 1500.-

209

MICHAEL II THE AMORIAN

MICHAEL II THE AMORIAN, 820-829

Having successfully arranged the assassination of Leo V, Michael was proclaimed emperor, still wearing his prison shackles on his legs. Although of rough peasant stock, he proved to be an able ruler. He neither supported nor opposed iconoclasm, thus quieting the dispute. One of his former military compatriots, Thomas the Slav, proclaimed himself emperor in Anatolia and besieged Constantinople. With the aid of the Bulgarians he was able to defeat Thomas and lift the siege. He was not able to prevent the Arabs from taking Crete in 824 and landing in Sicily in 826. However his reform of the government and military enabled the rise of the “Byzantine Renaissance” in the years to come.


With Theophilus

3467

3467 Solidus 821/829. Obv. �MIXAHL – bASIL’×S Crowned, facing bust in chlamys, cross potent in r. hand, akakia in l. hand. Rev. Θ’OFI – LO �’SP/+X Crowned, facing bust of Theophilus in loros; globe cruciger in r. hand, cruciform sceptre in l. hand. DOC 5b. S. 1640. 4,42 g. Rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Leu Numismatik 91 Zurich. May 10, 2004. Lot 884. 2500.-

Mint of Syracuse

3468

3468 Solidus 821. Obv. MI – XAHL (--) Crowned bust facing in loros. Cross potent in r. hand. Rev. MIX – AHL BAS Crowned bust facing in chlamys. Globe cruciger in r. hand. A dot on either side of the cross. DOC 12. S. 1643. 3,85 g. Only two specimens known. Lustrous extremely fine. Ex Auction Triton III New York. December 1999. Lot 1327. 10000.-

210


With Theophilus

3469

3469 Solidus 821/829. Obv. MI – XAHLb Crowned bust in loros facing, in r. hand cross potent. Rev. Θ’O – FILOS ’ Letter F in legend is inverted. Crowned bust in chlamys facing, in r. hand globe cruciger. DOC 14b2. S. 1645. 3,81 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 107 Chicago. March 1999. Lot 71. 1000.-

3470

3470 Solidus 821/829. Obv. MI – XAHLb Crowned bust in chlamys facing, in r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. Θ’ - OFIL Letter F in legend is inverted. Crowned bust in loros facing, in r. hand cross potent. DOC 15c. S. 1646. 3,87 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Argenor Numismatique Paris, April 1999. Lot 182. 500.-

Fractions

3471

3471 Semissis 821/829. Obv. MI – XAHL (b) Crowned, facing bust in chlamys, globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’- OFILO/’ Letter F in legend is inverted. Crowned bust of Theophilus in chlamys facing, holding cross potent in r. hand. DOC 16.2. S. 1647. 1,70 g. Uncirculated. Ex UBS AG direct purchase 2002. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. February 19, 2002. Lot 304. 500.-

211


3472

3472 Tremissis 821/829. Obv. MI – XAHL b Crowned bust of Michael II in chlamys facing; holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’- OFILO Crowned bust of Theophilus in chlamys facing, holding cross potent in r. hand. DOC 19 var. S. 1649. 1,34 g. Shaved. Extremely fine. Ex Russo, Sao Paulo. 1989. 150.-

3473

3473 Tremissis 821/829. Obv. MIX – (AH)L bA Crowned bust of Michael II in chlamys facing; holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’- OFILI bA Crowned bust of Theophilus in chlamys facing, holding cross potent in r. hand. Cross in field r. DOC 18. S. 1650. 1,31 g. Supposedly 2nd recorded specimen. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 113 Chicago. March 14, 2000. Lot 69. 1000.-

212

THEOPHILUS

THEOPHILUS, 829-842.

Theophilus was a cultured and educated man and strongly supported iconoclasm. However, aside from the Emperor and his retinue, there were hardly any supporters left for this movement. In the East he was confronted with Arab advance and as well in the West where the Arabs had taken Palermo in 831. In 841 a joint Venetian/Byzantine effort to drive the Arabs out of Crotone failed. In Phrygia, Amorium, the home town of his dynasty was taken by the Arabs in 838. Upon his death the frontiers were left shaken but the state was surprisingly financially sound.


3474

3474 Solidus 829/831. Obv. �Θ’OFI – LOS bASIL’ Crowned bust with short beard, in loros, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand cruciform sceptre. Rev. CVRI’ bOHΘH TO SO �OVOLO ’ Patriarchal cross on base and two steps. DOC 1b. S. 1655. 4,44 g. A few marks. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Leu Numismatik 91 Zurich. May 10, 2004. Lot 886. 3000.-

3475

3475 Solidus 831/840. Obv. �Θ’OFI – LOS bASIL’/Θ Crowned bust with short beard, in loros, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand cruciform sceptre. Rev. +MIXAHL S CO§STA§TI§/ Crowned busts of his deceased father Michael II on l. and his deceased son Constantinus facing. Both wearing chlamys. Constantinus is smaller. Cross above. DOC 3d. S. 1653. 4,40 g. Graffiti on rev. About uncirculated. Ex SKA Monetarium Zurich. List May 1991. No. 100. 1500.-

213

THEOPHILUS

3476

3476 Solidus 831/840. Obv. �Θ’OFI – LOS bASIL’/Θ Crowned bust with short beard, in loros, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand cruciform sceptre. Rev. +MIXAHL S CO§STA§TI§/ Crowned busts of his deceased father Michael II on l. and his deceased son Constantinus facing. Both wearing chlamys. Constantinus is smaller. Cross above. DOC 3d. S. 1653. 4,39 g. Good extremely fine. Ex SKA Monetarium Zurich. List December 1989. No. 74. 1500.-

Mint of Syracuse

3477

3477 Solidus 829/830. Obv. �Θ’OFI – LOS bASIL Crowned bust with short beard, in chlamys, facing. In r. hand cross potent. Rev. Θ’OFI – LOS bASIL Crowned bust with short beard, in loros, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger. DOC 18.2. S. 1671. 3,82 g. Very rare. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. October 28, 1998. Lot 377. 1000.-

3478

3478 Solidus 831/842. Obv. Θ’OFI – LOS Crowned bust with short beard, in chlamys, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. Θ’OFI – LOS Crowned bust with short beard, in loros, facing. In r. hand cross potent. DOC 24. S. 1670. 3,83 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 89 Munich. May 5, 1998. Lot 560. Fs in the legends inverted. 500.-

214

THEOPHILUS

3479

3479 Solidus 831/842. Obv. �Θ’O - FILOS Crowned bust in chlamys, facing. In r. hand globe without cross. Rev. Θ’ - OFILOS Crowned bust with short beard, in loros, facing. In r. hand cross potent. DOC -. S. 1671 var. 3,07 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica I. Zurich. May 19, 1999. Lot 2433. Wroth, BMC Byzantine 33 with 8 pointed star at beginning of legend and no cross on globe. Perhaps this is a contemporary imitation. That would explain the obvious low gold content and weight as well as the missing cross on the globe (cruciger). 500.-

Fractions

3480

3480 Semissis 829/830. Obv. �Θ’O - CILOS bA Crowned bust in chlamys, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. Θ’O - CILOS bA Crowned bust in loros, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger. DOC 19.3. S. 1676. 1,74 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 109 Chicago. July 1999. Lot 97. 600.-

3481

3481 Semissis 829/830. Obv. � Θ’O - FILOS bA Crowned bust in chlamys, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. Θ’O - fILOS bA Crowned bust in loros, facing. In r. hand globe cruciger. DOC 19. 1 S. 1676. 1,90 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. February 18, 2002. Lot 305. Fs in legend inverted. 500.-

215

THEOPHILUS

3482

3482 Semissis 831/842. Obv. Θ’O – (CI)ΛOS Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’O – CIΛOS Crowned bust in loros facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 26c. S. 1674. 1,77 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Hess-Divo 317 Zurich. October 27, 2010. Lot 1024. 300.-

3483

3483 Semissis 831/842. Obv. Θ’O – CIΛOS Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’O – CIΛOS Crowned bust in loros facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 26c. S. 1674. 1,82 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction UBS AG 63 Zurich. September 6, 2005. Lot 513. The Fs in the legends may be either an inverted F or a square formed C. Due to the tight flan it is not distinguishable. 500.-

3484

3484 Semissis 831/842. Obv. Θ’O – CILOS Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’O – CILOS Crowned bust in loros facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 26b. S. 1673. 1,73 g. Planchet faults on edge. Uncirculated. Ex Russo Sao Paulo 1985 direct purchase. 200.-

216

THEOPHILUS

3485

3485 Semissis 831/842. Obv. Θ’O – CILOS Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’O – CILOS Crowned bust in loros facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 26b. S. 1673. 1,80 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 89 Osnabrück. March 8, 2004. Lot 2897. 500.-

3486

3486 Semissis 831/842. Obv. Θ’O – CIΛOS Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’O – CIΛOS Crowned bust in loros facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 26c. S. 1673 var. 1,73 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 89 Osnabrück. March 8, 2004. Lot 2898. 500.-

3487

3487 Tremissis 829/830. Obv. Θ’OFILOS bA Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’O – FILOS bA Crowned bust in loros facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 20. S. 1679. 1,26 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 136 Osnabrück. March 10, 2008. Lot 1510. 400.-

217

THEOPHILUS

3488

3488 Tremissis 829/830. Obv. � Θ’O – FILOS (bA) Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’O- FILOS bA Crowned bust in loros facing, holding cross potent. DOC 20. S. 1678 var. 1,24 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Leu Numismatik 91 Zurich. May 10, 2004. Lot 892. 400.-

3489

3489 Tremissis 831/842. Obv. Θ’O – CILOS Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’O – CILOS Crowned bust in loros facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC -. S. -. 1,68 g. Perhaps unedited. Extremely fine. Ex Russo Sao Paulo 1986. The edited tremissis in DOC and Sear all have the bust on the reverse holding a cross potent. 400.-

3490

3490 Tremissis 831/842. Obv. Θ’O – CILOS Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’ - OCILOS Crowned bust in loros facing, holding cross potent. DOC 27b. S. 1678. 1,22 g. Extremely fine. Ex Russo Sao Paulo 1986. 300.-

3491

3491 Tremissis 831/842. Obv. Θ’O – FILOS Crowned bust in chlamys facing, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. Θ’ - FILOS Crowned bust in loros facing, holding cross potent. DOC 27a.4. S. 1678. 1,29 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Leu Numismatik 91 Zurich. May 10, 2004. Lot 891. Fs in legends inverted. 500.-

218

THEOPHILUS

Mint of Naples

3492

3492 Pale gold solidus 829/831. Obv. � Θ’OFI - LOS bASIL’ Crowned bust facing, wearing loros. In r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand cruciform sceptre. Rev. CVRI’ bOHΘH TO SO �OVLO�’ Patriarchal cross on base and two steps. DOC 31c2. S. 1684. 4,28 g. Rare. Very fine. Ex Auction Leu Numismatik 91 Zurich. May 10, 2004. Lot 888. 2500.-

With Michael II and Constantinus

3493

3493 Pale gold solidus 831/842. Obv. Θ’OFI – LOS bΛ�IL’Θ Crowned bust in chlamys facing, in r. hand globe cruciger. Rev. ƒIXΛHL � C – OÈ� Bλ�ILE Crowned bust of either Michael II or Constantinus in chlamys facing; in r. hand cross potent DOC 33a. S. 1683. 4,19 g. Very rare. Test mark on edge. Good very fine. Ex Auction Meister & Sonntag Stuttgart. 2004. Lot 1210. 5000.-

219

MICHAEL III THE DRUNKARD

MICHAEL III THE DRUNKARD, 842-867

Michael became emperor at the age of 3 and the regency was assumed by his mother Theodora and her favourite, Theoctistus. The strife concerning iconoclasm ceased with the death of Theophilus and the Empire could now concentrate on more dire problems and formulate a more aggressive foreign policy. Michael came under the influence of his uncle Bardas and in 856 sent his mother to a cloister and the next year assumed independent rule. In 861 Michael and Bardas defeated the Bulgarians and converted the ruler Boris to Christendom. In 863 Bardas celebrated a glorious victory over the Arab Emir of Melitene. The church was active in missionary work in Russia and Eastern Europe. This led to friction with the Catholic Church of Rome which was also active in that area. Only in Sicily and Italy the Arab advance could not be stopped. Some trouble was also had from the Rus Khaganate centred in Kiev and Cretan pirates.

Michael himself did very little active work in these affairs, leaving them to his councillors. Among his favourites was a former groom named Basil, who was so ambitious as to have Bardas killed and persuade Michael to make him co- ruler. Very predictably Basil then killed Michael and made himself emperor. One thing must be said for Byzantine society, class barriers did not prevent anyone from becoming emperor.


Under the Regency of his mother Theodora

3494

3494 Solidus 842/843. Obv. + Θ’ODO – RA d’SPV§´A Crowned bust of Theodora in loros facing; in r. hand globe with patriarchal cross, in l. hand cruciform sceptre. Rev. •MIXAHL S – Θ’CLA Crowned busts of Michael III on l. and his sister Thecla on r. Michael is wearing chlamys and holding globe cruciger in r. hand. Thecla is wearing loros and holding long patriarchal cross in r. hand. DOC 1a. S. 1686. 4,45 g. Very rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 868. Ex Auction Hess-Leu 45, Lucerne, May 12,1970. Lot 709. 10000.-

220


3495

3495 Solidus 843/856. Obv. IhS× X - RISTOS� Bust of Christ with long hair and beard facing. Behind his head cross. He wears pallium and colobium, raises r. hand in benediction and holds book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. +MIXAHL S Θ’ – O – dORA Crowned facing bust of Michael III in chlamys on l. and his mother Theodora in loros on r. Small cross above. DOC 2. S. 1687. 4,40 g. Rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 29, 1998. Lot 600. 4000.-

Sole Reign

3496

3496 Solidus 856/867. Obv. IhS×S X - RISTOS Bearded bust of Christ, wearing pallium and colobium, facing, in front of cross. He raises his r. hand in benediction and holds the Book of Gospels in his l. hand. Rev. MIXAHL bASIL’ Crowned bust in loros facing, labarum with cross in r. hand; akakia in his left. Cross in l. field. DOC 3. S. 1688. 4,40 g. Very rare. Very attractive specimen with a few slight marks. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction LHS Numismatik Zurich. April 23, 2007. Lot 573. 10000.-

221


Mint of Syracuse

Fractions

3497

3497 Semissis 842/866. Obv. ƒI – XAIILΘ Facing, crowned bust in chlamys, holding globe with patriarchal cross in r. hand. Rev. ƒI – XAIIΛΘ Facing, crowned bust in loros, holding globe with patriarchal cross in r. hand. DOC 9. S. 1694. 1,77 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 108 Chicago. May 12, 1999. Lot 36. 750.-

With Basil I

3498

3498 Debased gold semissis 866/867. Obv. ƒI – XAHΛX Facing, crowned bust in loros, holding globe with globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. bA – CIΛ’IOC Facing, crowned bust of Basil I, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 11 var. S. 1696. 1,77 g. Extremely fine. Ex UBS AG direct purchase 2002. 500.-

222

BASIL I THE MACEDONIAN

BASIL I THE MACEDONIAN, 867-886

Although the means by which Basil became emperor were most distasteful, it turned out that he was a gifted ruler and the founder of a dynasty that restored the Eastern Roman Empire to much of its former glory. He was a groom with a relative of the Caesar Bardas and caught the emperor’s attention as the winner of a wrestling match. Michael made him his personal companion and body guard. He married one of Michael’s mistresses and the child of their union, Leo VI is considered to be the child of Michael. His influence went so far that he killed Bardas and soon afterwards Michael was also the victim. He was instrumental in reinstituting and embellishing Justinian’s code of law. A work of 60 volumes. At first he had good relations with the church in Rome but these were broken over a dispute over the Bulgarian Church coming under the jurisdiction of Constantinople. Cyprus was reconquered and held for 7 years. Syracuse was lost, but the Arabs were driven from southern Italy. The Eastern Empire was the strongest force on the Mediterranean and the reconquest was just beginning. He died in a hunting accident in 886 and was followed by his son Leo VI.


With Constantinus

3499

3499 Solidus 868/879. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X - R’GNANTI×M Figure of Christ throning front with cross nimbus, pallium and colobium. He raises his r. hand in benediction and holds the book of Gospels in his l. hand. Rev. bASILIOS ’T CO§STA§T A× b Crowned bust of Basil I in loros on l. in loros facing and crowned bust of Constantinus in chlamys on r. facing. Together they hold between them a long patriarchal cross. DOC 2. S. 1704. 4,43 g. Rare. Splendid specimen. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex UBS AG Auction 45 Zurich. September 15, 1998. Lot 1232. 2500.-

Mint of Syracuse

With Constantinus

Fractions

3500

3500 Debased gold semissis 868/879. Obv. bAS - IΛ’IO� Crowned bust facing in loros. Globe cruciger in r. hand. Rev. CON – STANTI Crowned bust facing in chlamys. Globe cruciger in r. hand. DOC 14b. S. 1715. 1,55 g. Extremely fine. Ex UBS AG direct purchase 2002. 500.-

223

LEO VI THE WISE

LEO VI THE WISE, 886-912

Leo was more interested in scholarly work than statesmanship or warfare. He completed Basil’s great work of law which became the standard for the Medieval Byzantine Empire. Under his reign the last foothold on Sicily, Taormina, was lost to the Arabs. His relations with the Bulgarians turned into a war that led to his defeat in 894 and then to a victory in 895. In the East he destroyed the army of the Emirate of Tarsus and created new eastern provinces. In his fourth marriage he produced a son as heir. He was succeeded by his brother Alexander, as Constantinus VII was then considered illegitimate, being the son from a fourth marriage.


3501

3501 Solidus 886/908. Obv. + ƒARIA + Facing bust of the Virgin, wearing pallium and maphorium. Her hands raised in prayer. MHR on l. and Θ× on r. Rev. L’O§ ’§ X·ω bASIL’×S ROƒω§ Crowned bust with long beard facing, wearing jewelled chlamys. In his r. hand globe with patriarchal DOC cross. DOC 1a. S. 1723. 4,31 g. Extremely rare. Attractive and clear specimen with some minor lines and marks. Good very fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 876. Ex Auction Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. 268 Frankfurt a. M. April 24, 1968. Lot 392. 15000.-

With Constantinus VII

3502

3502 Solidus 908/912. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X R’NANTI×ƒ Christ enthroned on lyre-backed throne facing, wearing cross nimbus, pallium and colobium; r. hand raised in benediction, book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. L’O§ ’T CO§STA§T A× ROƒ Leo on l. and Constantinus on r. standing facing. Both are crowned and wearing loros and divitision. Leo holds globe cruciger in r. hand, Constantinus in l. hand. Together they hold a long patriarchal cross on small globe between them. DOC 2. S. 1725. 4,39 g. Rare. Attractive specimen. Almost uncirculated-extremely fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 877. Ex Auction Hess-Leu 36 Lucerne. April 17, 1969. Lot 624. 7000.-

224

ALEXANDER

ALEXANDER, 912-913

Alexander was not considered fit to be emperor. As co-emperor he had no part of affairs of state but was a pleasure loving wastrel. Upon his brothers death the only decisive action he performed was to deny the Bulgarians their annual tribute payment. This led to war for the next 15 years. He died of exhaustion playing tzykanion, a form of polo.


3503

3503 Solidus 912/913. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X R’§A§TI×ƒ Christ, with cross nimbus, throning facing and wearing pallium and colobium. His r. hand raised in benediction, book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. +AL’XA§d – ROS A××STOS Roƒ Crowned figure of Alexander standing facing, wearing divitision and loros, in r. hand globe cruciger; his l. hand is extended to St. Alexander on r. who stands ¾ facing to l., wearing pallium and colobium. He crowns the emperor with his r. hand and holds cross in l. hand. DOC 2. S. 1737. 4,36 g. Extremely rare. Good very fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 878. Ex Auction Bank Leu 10 Zurich. May 29 1974. Lot 482. 30000.-

225

CONSTANTINUS VII AND ROMANUS I LECAPENUS

CONSTANTINUS VII, 913-959 AND ROMANUS I LECAPENUS, 920-944

Nominally, Constantinus reigned for 46 years. Having not yet reached adulthood at Alexander’s death, he was under the regency of Patriarch Nicholas Mysticus. Nicholas was cowed by Simeon of Bulgaria who appeared before Constantinople with a large army and recognized him as Emperor of Bulgaria. This led to the deposition of Nicholas and Zoe, Constantinus’ mother became regent. Upon this Simeon attacked and destroyed Byzantine territory. Finally Romanus Lecapenus, admiral of the fleet became his regent and married him to his daughter, Helena. He became co- emperor in 920 and in the next years made his three sons co-emperors. In 927 Simeon of Bulgaria died and the pressure on the Empire from the Northwest ceased. Romanus had some major success in the East extending the empire to Mesopotamia. Surprisingly in 944 he was deposed by his sons Stephen and Constantinus who wanted to become emperors. However, Constantinus VII pre-empted them and with the citizenry of Constantinople sent them into the exile they had arranged for their father. Constantinus VII finally became sole ruler after 40 years. He made his son Romanus II co-emperor in 945. There has been some controversy over which Romanus is shown on the coins with Constantinus VII. Constantinus VII wrote a book on the ceremony at the Byzantine court which is invaluable for students of that period. He also wrote books for his son on the art of statecraft. Apparently he painted, collected books and works of art; perhaps coins? He died in 959. It was rumoured that he was poisoned by his son.


Constantinus VII and Romanus I

3504

3504 Solidus 920/921. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X - R’§A§TI×ƒ� Christ, with cross nimbus, throning facing and wearing pallium and colobium. His r. hand raised in benediction, book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. CO§STA§T/ C’ ROMA§/ AV/ b/ Crowned facing busts of Constantinus VII, beardless, on l. and

Romanus I, with short beard, on r. Both wear loros and together hold long patriarchal cross on small globe. DOC 3. S. 1741. 4,40 g. Very rare. Sharp and attractive specimen. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Bank Leu 77 Zurich. May 12, 2000. Lot 879. Ex Auction Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. 268 Frankfurt a. M. April 24, 1968. Lot 393. 4000.-

226


Romanus I and Constantinus VII

3505

3505 Solidus 921. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X - R’§A§TI×ƒ� Christ, with cross nimbus, throning facing and wearing pallium and colobium. His r. hand raised in benediction, book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. Crowned facing busts of Romanus I, with short beard, on l. and Constantinus VII, beardless, on r. Romanus wears loros, Constantinus wears chlamys. Together they hold long patriarchal cross. DOC 4. S. 1746. 4,48 g. Rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 29 Zurich. May 11, 2005. Lot 716. 2000.-

Romanus I with Constantinus VII and Christopher

3506

3506 Solidus 921. Probably minted in honour of his coronation. Obv. +X’bOHΘ’Ι – ROƒ – An& d’CPOTH Romanus standing facing on l., wearing crown and

loros, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. Christ standing facing, wearing pallium and colobium and crowning Romanus with his r. hand. In l. hand book of Gospels. Rev. COnSTANT ’T XPISTOF’b’R’ Waist length figures of Constantinus VII on l. wearing loros and Christopher on r. wearing chlamys, both crowned and jointly holding long patriarchal cross on small globe. DOC 6. S. 1743. 4,38 g. Extremely rare. Very fine-extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 164 Munich. March 17, 2008. Lot 485. 10000.-

227


Romanus I with Christopher and Constantinus VII

3507

3507 Solidus 921. Probably minted in honour of his coronation. Obv. +X•’bOHΘ’Ι – ROƒ – A§& d’CPOTH Romanus standing facing on l., wearing crown and loros, holding globe cruciger in r. hand. On r. Christ standing facing, wearing pallium and colobium and crowning Romanus with his r. hand. In l. hand book of Gospels. Rev. XPISTOF, ’T CO§ST/A×/b’ Waist length figures of Christopher on l. wearing loros and Constantinus VII, smaller, on r. wearing chlamys, both crowned and jointly holding long patriarchal cross. DOC 5. S. 1744. 4,35 g. Extremely rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 56 Zurich. October 8, 2010. Lot 714. Ex Auction Goldberg. May 26, 2009. Lot 2265. Ex Auction Triton IV New York. 2000. Lot 830. 10000.-

Romanus I with Christopher

3508

3508 Solidus 921/931. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X - R’§A§TI×ƒ� Christ, with cross nimbus, throning facing and wearing pallium and colobium. His r. hand raised in benediction, book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. RoƒAÈ´ ’T XPISTOFO´ A× b/ Crowned facing busts of Romanus I on l., bearded and wearing loros, and Christopher, beardless and wearing chlamys on r. Together they hold long patriarchal cross on small globe. DOC 7. S. 1745. 4,33 g. Almost uncirculated. Ex Harlan Berk, Chicago. 1000.-

228


3509

3509 Solidus 921/931. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X - R’NANTI×M� Nimbate figure of Christ seated facing on high backed throne. He is wearing pallium and colobium; r. hand raised in benediction, book of Gospels in left. Rev. ROƒΛ§ ’T XPISTOFO Λ×I Crowned busts of Romanus on l. in loros and Christopher on r. in chlamys facing. They hold together a long patriarchal cross. DOC 7. S. 1745. 4,29 g. Unusual style. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatik Lanz 132 Munich. November 2006. Lot 601. 1000.-

Romanus I with Constantinus VII and Christopher

3510

3510 Solidus c. 930. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X R - ’NANTI×M Nimbate figure of Christ seated facing on high backed throne. He is wearing pallium and colobium; r. hand raised in benediction, book of Gospels in left. Rev. ROƒA§´ Co§ST´ ’T XPISTOF´ b´ R´ Crowned figure of Romanus I standing facing between

crowned half-length figures of Constantinus VII on l. and Christopher on r. Romanus wears loros and holds labarum sceptre in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. Christopher and Constantinus each wear jewelled chlamys. DOC 8. S. 1742. 4,45 g. Extremely rare. Very fine. Ex Auction Münzen & Medaillen AG. The New York Sale II. December 2, 1999. Lot 396. 15000.-

229


Constantinus VII Sole Reign

3511

3511 Solidus 27 January – 6 April 945. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X R - ’NANTI×MC Facing bust of Christ, wearing cross nimbus, pallium and colobium. His r. hand raised in benediction, book of Gospels in his l. hand. Rev. +CO§STA§ – T AVTCRAT b' R' Crowned bust with long beard facing, wearing loros and holding

globe with patriarchal cross in r. hand. DOC 13b. S. 1747. 4,36 g. Extremely rare and of fine style. Very fine-extremely fine. Ex Harlan Berk Chicago, July 2000. Ex Auction Bank Leu 45 Zurich. May 26, 1988. Lot 423. 12000.-

Constantinus VII with Romanus II

3512

3512 Solidus 945/959. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X R’NANTI×M Nimbate figure of Christ seated facing on high backed throne with curved arms decorated with pearls. He is wearing pallium and colobium; r. hand raised in benediction, Book of Gospels in left. Rev. +CO§STA§TI§OS C’ ROMA§ ’§ XW b R Standing figure of Constantinus VII on r. in loros and Romanus II on l. in chlamys. Both are crowned and holding globe cruciger, as well as a long patriarchal cross in the middle. DOC 10 (Constantine VII and Romanus I). S. 1749. 4,52 g. Rare. Extremely fine-very fine. Ex Auction Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. 401 Frankfurt a. M. November 3, 2010. Lot 749. There as Constantinus VII and Romanus I. Sear prefers Cecile Morrison’s view that the Romanus depicted on this issue is Romanus II. 4000.-

230


3513

3513 Solidus 945/959. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X R’NANTI×M\ Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. CO§STA§T C’ ROMA§ A×( b) Crowned busts of Constantinus VII in loros on l. and Romanus II in chlamys on r., together holding a patriarchal cross on globe. DOC 15. S. 1751. 4,39 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. February 29, 2000. Lot 477. 2000.-

3514

3514 Solidus 945/959. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X R’NANTI×M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. CO§STA§(T C)’ ROMA§ A× b Crowned busts of Constantinus VII in loros on l. and Romanus

II in chlamys on r., together holding a patriarchal cross on globe. DOC 15. S. 1751. 4,42 g. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk Chicago. November 1998. Lot 70. 2000.-

3515

3515 Solidus 945/959. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X R’NANTI×M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. CO§STA§T C’ ROMA§ A× b Crowned busts of Constantinus VII in loros on l. and Romanus II in chlamys on r., together holding a patriarchal cross on globe. DOC 15. S. 1751. 4,45 g. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Heidelberger Münzhandlung 46 Heidelberg. Lot 325. This coin was totally misdescribed in the Heidelberg sale as a solidus of Nikephorus II (S. 1776). A quite rare coin. It is notable that collectors as well as dealers do not read the legends on Byzantine coins. 600.-

231

NICEPHORUS II PHOCAS

NICEPHORUS II PHOCAS, 963-969

A brilliant military commander, Nicephorus conquered the Emirate of Crete in 961, drove into Cilicia and Syria, capturing the city of Aleppo and a booty of 390’000 dirhems. With the help of his nephew, John Tzimisces, the empress Theophano and the Patriarch of Constantinople, he was proclaimed emperor along with the young sons of Romanus II and marched into the capital. He then married the widowed Empress Theophano. He reclaimed the island of Cyprus, took Mesopotamia and Syria, including Antiochia that had been lost for 300 years. Not so successful in the West he could not get a foothold in Sicily and even had some battles with Emperor Otto I over land in southern Italy. He wrote military treatises, helped found the monastery on Mt. Athos, curtailed expenses at court, debased the currency (tetarteron) and made himself less popular through his ascetism. He was murdered by his nephew John Tzimisces and the Empress Theodora in December 969.


3516

3516 Solidus 963/969. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. +Θ’OTOC´ b´ HΘ´ §ICHF, d’SP Facing busts of the nimbate Virgin on l. and the crowned

Nicephorus II on r. The Virgin wears stola and maphorium, Nicephorus loros. Together they hold long patriarchal cross on small globe. M – Θ to the sides of the Virgin. DOC 4. S. 1778. 4,41 g. Tiny edge nick. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction UBS AG 47 Zurich. September 14, 1999. Lot 328. 500.-

With Basil II

3517

3517 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 963/969. Obv. Obv. +IhS XPS R’X R’NANTIIM Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. NIKHΦOP’ KAI RACIΛ' AVΓ, RP' Crowned busts of Nicephorus on l. in loros and Basil II on r. in chlamys, facing, together holding a patriarchal cross. DOC 2. S. 1777. 4,40 g. Rare. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 135 Munich. May 21, 2007. Lot 997. 1500.-

232

JOHN I TZIMISCES

JOHN I TZIMISCES, 969-976

Already a famous general, John helped his uncle Nikephorus II gain the imperial throne. Being badly rewarded for his help, he colluded with the Empress Theophano, and killed Nikephorus. He immediately set to destroy the foreign invaders at the empire’s borders. In 970-971 he battled the Kievan Rus up to the Danube and defeated them wholly, leaving him in possession of Bulgaria and the Dobruja (Romanian coast). Bulgaria was incorporated as a province of the empire. In 972 he drove east into Palestine, taking many cities but stopping before Jerusalem. He died at the height of his power in 976, probably of typhus.


3518

3518 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 969/976. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. +Θ’OTOC – bOHΘ´ IW DES The facing busts of John on l. and the nimbate Virgin on r. John is wearing loros and holds a patriarchal cross on globe in l. hand. The Virgin in stola and maphorium is crowning the emperor with her r. hand. Above her head MΘ. Manus Dei above John's head. DOC 3. S. 1785. 4,45 g. Exceptional quality. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 115 Chicago. July 2000. Lot 131 (there erroneously classified as DOC 2). 2500.-

3519

3519 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 969/976. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. +Θ’OTOC – bOHΘ´ IW DESP The facing busts of John on l. and the nimbate Virgin on r. John is wearing loros and holds a patriarchal cross on globe in l. hand. The Virgin in stola and maphorium is crowning the emperor with her r. hand. Above her head MΘ. Manus Dei above John's head. DOC 3 var. S. 1785. 4,40 g. A superb coin. Virtually as struck. With slight gold toning enhancing the relief. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Triton III New York. December 1999. Lot 1333. 5000.-

233

BASIL II BULGAROKTONOS

BASIL II BULGAROKTONOS, 976-1025

Basil II was the son of Romanus II and Theophano. When John I died he took the throne as senior emperor and was immediately faced by two rebellions, both of which he suppressed in 979 and 989. In 989 he married his sister Anna to Prince Vladimir of Kiev, thus beginning the centuries long relationship of the Eastern Empire with what was to be Russia; Moscow becoming the third Rome after the fall of Constantinople. In the East he once again penetrated into the Caliphate, taking Syria and much of Palestine. In the Northwest he ultimately crushed the remaining Bulgarian forces, thus taking his byname Bulgar-Slayer. He took areas of the Crimea, Armenia and restored much of Byzantine territory in southern Italy. At the time of his death he was planning to retake Sicily from the Arabs. He was loved by the Army, spending more time in the field than in Constantinople. He cared for the children of fallen officers, giving them food, shelter, education and so ensuring their loyalty. Small farmers were also under his protection and he was no friend of the great landowners. He was not only a soldier but a very good and prudent manager. Upon his death the empire was untroubled by war or invasion and he had amassed a fortune of 14’400’000 nomismata for the empire’s treasury.


With Constantinus VIII

3520

3520 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 977/989. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X R’NANT§IM Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. No pellets in nimbus. Rev. +bΛSIL C CO§STΛ§TI b R Crowned facing busts of Basil II in loros on l. and Constantinus VII in chlamys on r., together holding a patriarchal cross with globule on shaft. DOC 3. S. 1797 4,41 g. Extremely fine. Ex private purchase. 1000.-

3521

3521 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 989/1001. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X R’INANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. No pellets in nimbus. Rev. +bΛSIL C CO§STΛ§TI b RM Crowned facing busts of Basil II in loros on l. and Constantinus VII in chlamys on r., together holding a patriarchal cross crosslet. DOC 3b. S. 1797. 4,40 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 135 Munich. Lot 999. 3500.-

234


3522

3522 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 989/100. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Two pellets in each cross arm of nimbus. Rev. +bΛSIL C CO§STΛ§T Ib RM Crowned facing busts of Basil II in loros on l. and Constantinus VII in chlamys on r., together holding a patriarchal cross crosslet. DOC 3a. S. 1797. 4,33 g. Very fine. Ex Auction F. R. Künker 315 Osnabrück. October 28, 2009. Lot 312. 400.-

3523

3523 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 1005/1025. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. +bΛSIL C CO§STΛ§T Ib R Crowned facing busts of Basil II in loros on l. and Constantinus VII in chlamys on r., together holding a long cross. DOC 6. S. 1800. 4,42 g. Attractive specimen, well centred and struck. About uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk Chicago. May 1, 1983. Lot 32. 1000.-

235


3524

3524 Tetarteron nomisma 1005/1025. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Two pellets in each cross arm of nimbus. Rev. +bΛSIL C CO§STΛ§T Ib R Crowned facing busts of Basil II in loros on l. and Constantinus VII in V-shaped overgarment on r., together holding a patriarchal cross with X on shaft. DOC 15b. S. 1806. 4,20 g. Almost extremely fine. Ex Auction Nomisma 39 San Marino. October 10, 2009. Lot 1841. Nomisma classified this coin as Sear 1805 Extremely rare ! It is, in fact, Sear 1806 – not so rare. Apparently some cataloguers do not look at the coins they describe. 750.-

3525

3525 Tetarteron nomisma 1005/1025. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Two pellets in each cross arm of nimbus. Rev. +bΛSIL C CO§STΛ§T Ib R Crowned facing busts of Basil II in loros on l. and Constantinus VII in V-shaped overgarment on r., together holding a patriarchal cross with X on shaft. DOC 15b. S. 1806. 4,41 g, About uncirculated. Ex private purchase. 1000.-

236

CONSTANTINUS VIII / ROMANUS III ARGYRUS

CONSTANTINUS VIII, 1025-1028

Although co-emperor with his brother, Basil II, Constantinus VII took no part in governmental affairs. Having become emperor at age 65 and crippled by gout, he left affairs to his advisors. Regretfully, he was persuaded to recall laws concerning the small landowners in favour of the nobility.


3526

3526 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 1025/1028. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. C&§ – A§TI – bASIL’×S ROM Crowned bust with long beard in loros facing; holding labarum in r. hand and akakia in l. hand. DOC 1. S. 1815. 4,41 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 46 Chicago. December 16, 1986. Lot 215. 600.-

ROMANUS III ARGYRUS, 1028-1034

Constantinus VIII had arranged that upon his death, his daughter Zoe would marry Romanus, an aristocrat related to Emperor Romanus I. He proved just as ineffective as Constantinus VIII and only able generals managed to keep the empire’s borders intact. He was probably killed by order of his wife.


3527

3527 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 1028/1034. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X - R’NANTI§M Christ enthroned facing, wearing cross nimbus , pallium and colobium. He raises r. hand in benediction and holds book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. ΘC’ bOHΘ´ - R&MA§& Romanus on l., wearing saccos and loros, holding globe cruciger in l.

hand is being crowned by the Virgin on r., nimbate, wearing pallium and maphorium. M – Θ at top. DOC 1b. S. 1819. 4,45 g. Splendid specimen. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 46 Chicago. December 16, 1986. Lot 216. 600.-

237

MICHAEL IV THE PAPHLAGONIAN

MICHAEL IV THE PAPHLAGONIAN, 1034-1041

Michael IV was the younger brother of an important court official, John the Eunuch. The Empress Zoe became enamoured of him and made him her chamberlain. Originally he had been a money changer, and some say a coin forger. Undoubtedly he conspired with Zoe to kill Romanus III. On the day of his death she married him. The next day, he was crowned emperor by the Patriarch Alexios against a payment of 50 pounds of gold. He proved to be an able and astute emperor. However, he suffered from a severe form of epilepsy and much of governmental affairs were left in the hands of his brother, John the Eunuch. He was faced with almost incessant internal revolts, many due to the greed and taxation that John invoked on the populace. In military affairs he was able to defeat the Bulgarians who had staged an uprising. In the West his most able General George Maniakes reconquered almost all of Sicily and had taken Syracuse in 1040. By sheer stupidity and listening to court intrigues, he recalled Maniakes and all that had been gained was lost by 1041. He died of his sickness in the same year.


3528

3528 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 1034/1041. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X - R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. Rev. +ƒIX – AH – L bASIL’×S Rƒ Crowned bust with pendilia facing, wearing loros and holding labarum in r. hand and globe cruciger in l. hand. Manus dei above on l. DOC 1. S. 1824. 4,42 g. Extremely fine. Ex private purchase 1999. 1000.-

238

CONSTANTINUS IX

CONSTANTINUS IX, 1042-1055

Michael V had succeeded his uncle Michael IV as emperor. His first actions were to banish his uncle, John the Eunuch and to imprison the Empress Zoe in a nunnery. This led to the population’s demand for an ousting of the emperor and he was deposed, blinded and Zoe and Theodora ruled jointly for 7 weeks. Zoe then chose Constantinus as her third husband. He was interested in learning and the arts and less in statesmanship. In 1046 he had a first encounter with the Seljuk Turks in Armenia which resulted in a truce. Foolishly he then disbanded the Armenian forces at a time when they should have been strengthened. In 1054 the Great Schism between the churches of the West and East was caused when the Patriarch refused to adopt Western church practices. He was excommunicated by a Papal legation and he in turn excommunicated them. This rift was never to heal. In all, Constantinus IX did more damage to the state than many an emperor before him.


3529

3529 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 1042/1055. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X - R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. No pellets in each cross arm of nimbus. Rev. +CW§ST – Λ§T§ – bΛSILE×S RM Crowned bust facing, wearing jewelled chlamys and holding sceptre in r. hand and globe cruciger in left. DOC 3. S. 1830. 4,38 g. About uncirculated. Ex Russo Sao Paulo. 300.-

3530

3530 Tetarteron nomisma 1042/1055. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X - R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. No pellets in each cross arm of nimbus. Rev. +CW§ST – Λ§T§ – bΛSILE×S RM Crowned bust facing, wearing jewelled chlamys and holding sceptre in r. hand and globe cruciger in left. DOC 3. S. 1832. 4,06 g. Uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich, 2007, Lot 402. There mistakenly classified as Sear 1830 (histamenon nomisma). 1000.-

239

CONSTANTINUS IX / THEODORA

3531

3531 Tetarteron nomisma 1042/1055. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X - R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, Book of Gospels in l. hand. No pellets in each cross arm of nimbus. Rev. +CW – Λ§T – bΛSILE Crowned bust facing, wearing jewelled chlamys and holding labarum in r. hand and globe cruciger in left. DOC 6. S. 1833. 4,04 g. Good extremely fine. Ex Auction Gorny & Mosch 164 Munich. March 17, 2008. Lot 488. Ex W. J. Conte Coll. Auction Baldwin’s 2 London. 1994. Lot 149. 1500.-

THEODORA, 1055-1056

Upon Constantinus’ death, the old empress Theodora ruled for a year and a half. She was the last of the Macedonian dynasty to rule the Empire. Before her death she appointed Michael VI, a most unsuitable candidate for emperor.


3532

3532 Histamenon nomisma 1055/1056. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X – R’NANTI§M Standing figure of Christ facing, wearing cross nimbus, pallium and colobium and holding book of Gospels with both hands. Rev. +Θ’OΔ&PA – (AVΓOV)CTA Crowned standing figure of Theodora on l., wearing saccos and loros; nimbate figure of the Virgin on r. clad in pallium and maphorium, both facing and holding together labarum. M – (Θat the Virgin's shoulders. DOC 1. S. 1837. 4,41 g. Extremely fine. Ex SKA Monetarium Zurich direct purchase. 2500.-

240

THEODORA / MICHAEL VI

3533

3533 Tetarteron nomisma 1055/1056. Obv. Facing bust of Christ with cross nimbus, pallium and colobium. His r. hand is raised in benediction, his l. holds book of Gospels. IC – XC to sides. Rev. +Θ’OΔ – AVΓCT Crowned facing bust wearing saccos and loros. In her r. hand jewelled sceptre, in l. hand globe cruciger. DOC 2.14 var. S. 1838. 4,05 g. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 11 Zurich. April 29, 1998. Lot 605. 3500.-

MICHAEL VI, 1056-1057

Michael VI succeeded in bringing the entire army into an uproar by offending them in favour of civil servants of the state. A revolt ensued and Isaac Comnenus was proclaimed emperor. Michael VI was such a nonentity that he was not killed or blinded, just put away in a monastery.


3534

3534 Tetarteron nomisma 1056/1057. Obv. No legend. Facing bust of the Virgin, nimbate, raising both hands. She is wearing pallium and maphorium. Monogram MP on l., ΘV on r. Rev. +MIXAHL – A×TOCRA Crowned figure standing on footstool, facing, wearing crown, saccos and loros. Long cross in r. hand, akakia in left. DOC 2.2. S. 1841. 4,06 g. Rare. Good very fine. 3500.-

241

ISAAC I COMNENUS

ISAAC I COMNENUS, 1057-1059

Isaac I represented the military aristocracy and attempted to rebuild the Byzantine army. The money needed was taken from the Church and led to conflict with the Patriarch, who was tried for heresy on s false charge. He died before the verdict was read and the populace was so incensed that Isaac was forced to resign and went into exile in a monastery.


3535

3535 Histamenon nomisma (solidus) 1057/1059. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X – R’NANTI§M Throning figure of Christ facing, wearing cross nimbus , pallium and colobium. He raises r. hand in benediction and holds book of Gospels with left. Rev. +ICΛΛKIOC RA – CIΛΛ’VC P&M Crowned figure of Isaac standing front in military attire; drawn sword in r. hand, l. hand on sheath. DOC 2. S. 1843. 4,43 g. About extremely fine. Ex Auction Harlan Berk 103 Chicago. July 1988. Lot 37. 2500.-

3536

3536 Tetarteron nomisma 1057/1059. Obv. +IhS XIS R’X - R’NANTI§M Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, Book of Gospels in front. Rev. +ICΛΛKI – OC – RΛCIΛ’VK PM Crowned figure standing front in complete body armour. Wearing cloak. Crown with pendilia. In upraised r. hand globe cruciger; in l. hand parazonium. DOC 3. S. 1845. 4,08 g. Very rare. Slight encrustation on rev. edge. Extremely fine-uncirculated. Ex Auction Münzzentrum Rheinland 152 Solingen. September 2, 2009. Lot 904. 3000.-

242

CONSTANTINUS X / ROMANUS IV DIOGENES

CONSTANTINUS X, 1059-1067

A member of the civil aristocracy, Constantinus X was the wrong person to become emperor at this time. The Empire was attacked on all sides: by the Normans in the West, the Uzes Turks in the Balkans and the Seljuk Turks in the East. Instead of working for the defence of the Empire, he worked in favour of court officials, increasing not the military forces but the bureaucracy and filling the Senate with his friends.


3537

3537 Tetarteron nomisma 1059/1067. Obv. MP – ΘV Facing bust of the Virgin orans. She wears pallium and maphorium. Rev. K&N – RACIA O ΔVK Crowned bust in loros facing. In r. hand globe cruciger, in l. hand akakia. DOC 3. S. 1849 3,20 g. Small cabinet piece. Powerful relief. Brilliant uncirculated. Ex Auction Tkalec Zurich. May 7, 2006. Lot 283. 1500.-

ROMANUS IV DIOGENES, 1068-1071

Romanus IV was an able general, chosen by the Empress Eudocia ah her husband and emperor. His immediate aim was to drive back the Seljuk Turks in the East. In the first years of campaign he met with changing fortune, always hindered by the lacking discipline of his mercenary troops. In the great battle of Manzikert, he was deserted by Andronicus Ducas and his troops. Captured by the Turks, he was treated with great kindness by their leader Alp Arslan and later released. By then conspirators had deposed him in Constantinople and had him blinded upon his return, of which he subsequently died.


3538

3538 Tetarteron nomisma 1068/1071. Obv. +ΘΚ’ – ROHΘ Bust of the nimbate Virgin facing, wearing pallium and maphorium. On l. MP, on r. ΘV. In front of her, she holds medallion with the picture of the infant Christ. Pellets l. and r. of the infant’s head. Rev. +PWMA S ’- VΔ (S?)KRM Crowned busts of Romanus on l. and his wife, Eudocia, on r., facing. Romanus wearing loros, Eudocia a jewelled robe with wide collar. Together they hold a tall cross on globe. DOC 3 var. S. 1862. 4,05 g. Extremely fine. Ex Tkalec 1200.-

243

MICHAEL VII DUCAS / NUMISMATIC LIBRARY

MICHAEL VII DUCAS, 1071-1078

Not much can be said for this ineffective ruler. Attempts to contain the Seljuk Turks failed and in the end, they had to be taken as allies against the mercenary hordes ravaging Anatolia. In the West, Bari was lost to the Normans, the last Byzantine possession in Italy. He was deposed without resistance and sent to a monastery.


3539

3539 Tetarteron nomisma 1071/1078. Obv. +ΘK’Ro – HΘ’I+ Bust of the nimbate Virgin facing, wearing pallium and maphorium. On l. MP ligate, on r. ΘV. In front of her, she holds medallion with the picture of the infant Christ. Pellets l. and r. of the infant's head. Rev. +MIX – A – HA – S MA – RIΛ Crowned bust of Michael in loros on l. and crowned bust of his wife, Maria, on r. She is wearing jewelled robe with broad collar. Together they hold between them a long cross with X and pellet within crescent. DOC 5d. S. 1872. 4,04 g. Rare. Thin flan crack. Extremely fine. Ex Auction Lanz Numismatik 132 Munich. November 27, 2006. Lot 608. 1000.-

NUMISMATIC-HISTORICAL LIBRARY

ANCIENT NUMISMATICS

3540 Bellinger, Alfred R. / Grierson, Philip. Catalogue of the Byzantine Coins in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and in the Whittemore Collection. Vols. 1-3 in 5 books. 2nd Impression. Washington 1992. Hardbound. 500.-

3541 Bernareggi, Ernesto. Moneta Langobardum. Milano 1983. 237 p. with illustrations. Hardbound. Included: Bernareggi, E. I Tremissi Langobardi e Carolingi del Rispotiglio di Ilanz nei Grigioni. Exerpt. Lugano 1977, 50.-

3542 Crawford, Michael H. Roman Republican Coinage. 2 Vols. Cambridge 1974. 919 p. 70 pl. Hardcover. Catalogue volume with markings and notations of the collector. Edges a bit frayed. Otherwise ok. 150.-

244


3543 Gardiakos, S. (Editor). The Coinages of Alexander the Great. Vols 1-3. Chicago 1981. Reprint of all major works on the coinage of Alexander at the time.. Includes Carl Mueller, Numismatique d’Alexandre le Grand; Newel, Reattributions, Cypriote Alexanders, Dated Coinage of Sidon and Ake, Alexandrine Coinage of Sinope, Tarsos, Myriandros, Tyrus. Dressel, Fund von Abukir. Svoronos, Abukir and more. Hardbound. 100.-

3544 Göbl, Robert. Antike Numismatik. 2 vols. Munich 1978. 284 p., 283 p. 176 p. Hardbound. 40.-

3545 Grierson, Philip and Mark Blackburn. Medieval European Coinage. With a Catalogue of the Coins in the Fitzwilliam Museum. Cambridge. 1. The Early Middle Ages (5th-10th centuries). Cambridge 1986. 674 p. 65 pl. Hardbound. 50.-

3546 Grierson, Philip and Melinda Mays. Catalogue of Late Roman Coins in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and in the Whittemore Collection. Washington 1992. 346 p. 57 pl. Hardbound. 50.-

3547 Grose, S. W. Catalogue of the McClean Collection of Greek Coins. Fitzwilliam Museum. Vol. I-III. Chicago 1979. Reprint. Hardbound. 100.-

3548 Hahn, Wolfgang. Moneta Imperii Byzantini. 3 Vols. Vienna 1973-1981. Hardbound. 500.-

3549 Head, Barclay. Historia Numorum. A Manual of Greek Numismatics.New York 1983. 966 p. 399 illustrations. Reprint. Hardcover. 20.-

3550 Hill, Sir George F. Becker the Counterfeiter. Parts 1-2. Chicago 1979. 11 p. 19 pl. Reprint. Hardbound. 20.-

3551 Kent, J. P. C. Roman Coins. Photographs by Max and Albert Hirmer. New York 1978. 368 p. 1430 illustrations. Hardbound. 50.-

3552 Kent, J. P. C. Zje Roman Imperial Coinage VIII. The Family of Constantine I, 337-364. C. H. V. Sutherland and R. A. G. Carson, Editors. London 1981. 605 p. 28 pl. Hardbound. 50.-

3553 Mitchiner, Michael. Indo-Greek and Indo-Scythian Coinage. Vols. 1-9. London 1975-1976. 3 volumes bound in half-leather. 200.-

3554 Mommsen, Th. Die nordetruskischen Alphabete auf Inschriften und Münzen. Mittheilungen der Antiquarischen Gesellschaft in Zürich. 7. Band. Zürich 1853. Softbound. 10.-

3555 Mommsen, Th. Geschichte des römischen Münzwesens. Graz 1956. 900 p. Reprint. Hardcover. 20.-

3556 Newell, Edward T. The Coinage of the Eastern Seleucid Mints. Numismatic Sudies 1. New York 1978. 307 p. 56 pl. Reprint. Hardbound. 30.-

3557 Newell, Edward T. The Coinage of the Western Seleucid Mints. Numismatic Studies 4. New York 1977. 449 p. 85 ol. Reprint. Hardbound. 40.-

3558 Newell, Edward T. The Coinages of Demetrius Poliorcetes. Chicago 1978. 169 p. 18 pl. Reprint. Hardcover. 20.-

3559 Seltman, Charles T. The Temple Coins of Olympia. New York 1975. 117 p. 12 pl. Reprint. Hardbound. 20.-

3560 Stevenson, Seth W. A Dictionary of Roman Coins. London 1964. 929 p. with illustrations. Reprint. Hardcover. 20.-

3561 Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum. The Royal Collection of Coins and Medals. Danish National Museum Volume I – Italy. Nre York 1981. 23 pl. with text. Reprint. Hardbound. 20.-

History

3562 Cambridge History of Iran. Vol. 3 (1 & 2) The Seleucid, Parthian and Sasanian Periods. Cambridge 1983. 1488 p. 148 p. Hardbound. (2) 20.-

3563 Cambridge History of Iran. Vol. 4. from the Arab Invasions to the Saljuqs. Cambridge 1975. 734 p. 29 pl. Hardbound. 10.-

245


3564 Cambridge Medieval History. Vol. I. The Christian Roman Empire and the Foundation of the Teutonic Kingdoms. 754 p. Cambridge 1924. Hardbound. 10.-

3565 Cambridge Medieval History. Vol. II. The Rise of the Saracens and the Foundation of the Western Empire. Cambridge 1957. 889 p. Hardbound. 10.-

3566 Cambridge Medieval History. Vol. III. Germany and the Western Empire. Cambridge 1957. 700 p. Hardbound. 10.-

3567 Cambridge Medieval History. Vol. IV. Part 1. The Byzantine Empire. Byzantium and its Neighbours. Cambridge 1966. 1168 p. Binding loose. Hardbound. 10.-

3568 Cambridge Medieval History. Vol. IV. Part 2. The Byzantine Empire. Government, Church and Civilisation. Cambridge 1967. 517 p. 42 ill. Hardbound. 10.-

3569 Ducellier, Alain. Byzanz. Das Reich und die Stadt. Zürich 1986. 614 p. and many ill. Hardbound. 10.-

3570 Furger, A. and others. Die Schweiz zur Zeit der Römer. Zürich 2001. 352 p. 269 ill. Hardbound. 20.-

3571 Heather, Peter. Der Untergang des Römischen Weltreiches. Stuttgart 2007. 640 p. 16 ill. Hardbound. 20.-

3572 Juliis, E. de and D. Loiacono. Taranto. Il Museo Archaeologico. Taranto 1985. 491 p. 560 ill. Hardbound. 10.-

3573 Szaivert, Wolfgang und Reinhard Wolters. Löhne , Preise, Werte. Quellen zur Römischen Geldwirtschaft. Darmstadt 2005. 376 p. Hardbound. 20.-

Lots

3574 Byzantine Coins. Byzantium. Grierson, Ph. Byzantine Coins. Sear, David. Byzantine Coins and their Values. 1987 and 1974. Sommer, Andreas. Die Münzen des Byzantinischen Reiches. (4) 10.-

3575 Byzantine History. Beck, Hans-Georg. Kaiserin Theodora und Prokop. Der Historiker und sein Opfer. Browning, Robert. Justinian and Theodora. Eickhoff, Ekkehard. Macht und Sendung. Byzantinische Weltpolitik. Graves, Robert. Count Belisarius. Komnene, Anna. Alexias. Meier, Mischa. Anastasios I. Die Entstehung des Byzantinischen Reiches. Runciman, Steven. Die Eroberung von Konstantinopel. (7) 10.-

3576 Greek World-Coins. Cahn, H. and Leo Mildenberg, Roberto Russo, Hans Voegtli. Griechische Münzen aus Grossgriechenland und Sizilien. Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig. Casey, P. J. Understanding Ancient Coins. Davis, Norman and Colin M. Kraay. The Hellenistic Kingdoms. Portrait Coins and History. Jones, John Melville. A Dictionary of Ancient Greek Coins. Narain. A. K. The Coin Types of the Indo-Greek Kings. Newell, Edward T. Royak Greek Portrait Coins. Plant, Richard. Greek Coin Types and their Identification. Sear, David. Greek Coins and their Values. Vol. 1 and 2. Sear, David. Greek Imperial Coins and their Values. Seltman, Charles. Masterpieces of Greek Coinage. Starr, Chester. Athenian Coinage. Reprint. Ward, John. Greek Coin Types and their Parent Cities. (13) 50.-

3577 Greek World-Culture and History. Bamm, Peter. Alexander der Grosse. Ein königliches Leben. Bengtson, Hermann. Dia Diadochen. Die Nachfolger Alexanders des Grossen.Bengtson, Hermann. Griechische Geschichte von den Anfängen bis in die Römische Kaiserzeit. Bengtson, Hermann. Philipp und Alexander der Grosse. Die Begründer der hellenistischen Welt. Ceram, C. W. Enge Schlucht und Schwarzer Berg. Entdeckung des Hethiter-Reiches. Ceram, C. W. Götter, Gräber und Gelehrte. Contenau, Georges. So lebten die Babyloner und Assyrer. Epiktet. Anleitung zum glücklichen Leben. Fernau, Joachim. Rosen für Apoll. Die Geschichte der Griechen. Finley, M. I. Das politische Leben in der antiken Welt. Finley, M. I. Die antike Wirtschaft. Finley, M. I. Die Sklaverei in der Antike. Finley, M. I. Die Welt des Odysseus. Fox, Robin Lane. Die Suche nach Alexander. Friedell, Egon. Hulturgeschichte Griechenlands. Gehrke, Hans-Joachim. Jenseits von Athen und Sparta. Das Dritte Griechenland und seine Staatenwelt. Herm, Gerhard. Die Kelten. Das Volk das aus dem Dunkel kam. Höckmann, Olaf. Antike Seefahrt. Homer. Odyssee. Huot, Jean-Louis. Persien I. Irmscher, Johannes. Lexikon der Antike. Kerényi, Karl. Die Mythologie der Griechen I & II. Matz, Friedrich. Kreta und frühes Griechenland. Prolegomena zur griechischen Kunstgeschichte. Patzer, Andreas (Herausg.). Streifzüge durch die antike Welt. Platon, Nikolas. Kreta. Pohlenz, Max. Gestalten aus Hellas. Reden, Sybille von. Die Etrusker. Thorwald, Jürgen. Macht und Geheimnis der frühen Ärzte. Wooley, Sir Leonard. Ur in Chaldäa. Zwölf Jahre Ausgrabungen in Abrahams Heimat. (30) 100.-

246


3578 Greek World-Culture and History. Boardman, John. The Greeks Overseas. Their Early Colonies and Trade. Bulfinch, Thomas. The Golden Age of Mythand Legend. Cottrell, Leonard. The Lost Pharaohs. Cottrell, John. The Bull of Minos. Giles, F. J. Ikhnaton. Legend and History. Grant, Michael. Ancient History Atlas. Graves, Robert. The Golden Fleece. Guzzo, Pier Giovanni. Le Citta Scomparse della Magna Grecia. Herodotus. The Persian Wars. Hungarian National Museum. Exhibition Guide. Kramer, S. N. Os Sumérios. Lindsay, Jack. The Ancient World. Manners and Morals. Sprague de Camp, L. The Ancient Engineers. Tucidides. Historia da Guerra do Peloponeso. (14) 20.-

3579 Medieval Europe-Culture and History.. Borst, Otto. Alltagsleben im Mittelalter. Braudel, Ferdinand. The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II. Vol. I-II. Fischer-Fabian, S. Die deutschen Cäsaren. Gagliardi, E. Novara und Dijon. Höhepunkt und Verfall der schweizerischen Grossmacht im 16. Jahrhundert. Longworth, Philip. Aufstieg und Fall der Republik Venedig. Mühlbacher, Engelbert. Deutsche Geschichte unter den Karolingern. Vol. I – II. Pernou, Régine. Königin der Troubadoure. Eleonore von Aquitanien. Pörtner, Rudolf. Das Römerreich der Deutschen. Röhl, John. Kaiser, Hof und Staat. Wilhelm II und die deutsche Politik. Ruciman, Steven. A History of the Crusade. Vol. I-III. Stenton, Doris M. English Society in the Early Middle Ages. Wood, Charles T. The Age of Chivalry. Manners and Morals 1000-1450. (16) 10.-

3580 Persia/Arabia-Coins. Broome, Michael. A Handbook of Islamic Coins. Gaube, Heinz. Arabosasanidische Numismatik. Göbl, Robert. Sasanian Numismatics. Petrowicz, Alexander von. Arsaciden-Münzen. Plant, Richard. Arabic Coins and how to read them. Sellwood, David. The Coinage of Partia. (6) 20.-

3581 Persia/Arabia-Culture and History. Childe, V. Gordon. New Light on the Most Ancient East. Glubb, Lt. Gen. Sir John. A Soldier with the Arabs. Glubb, J. Britain and the Arabs. Glubb, J. The Course of Empire. 860-1146. The Arabs and their Successors. Glubb, J. The Empire of the Arabs 680-860. Glubb, J. The Great Arab Conquests 630-680. Glubb, J. The Lost Centuries. From the Muslim Empires to the Renaissance of Europe 1145-1453. Groom, Nigel. Frankincense and Myrrh. A Study of the Arabian Incense Trade. Hunke, Sigrid. Allahs Sonne über dem Abendland. Kinross, Lord. Between Two Seas. The Creation of the Suez Canal. Mandel, Gabriel. Das Reich der Königin von Saba. Newby, P. H. Saladin in his Time. Palmer, Alan. Verfall und Untergang des Osmanischen Reiches. Waterfield, Gordon. Sultans of Aden. (14) 10.-

3582 Rome-Coins. Askew, Gilbert. The Coinage of Roman Britain. Harlan, Michael. Roman Republican Moneyers and their Coins, 63 BC-49 BC. Jones, John Melville. A Dictionary of Ancient Roman Coins. Lahusen, Götz. Die Bildnismünzen der römischen Republik. Sayles, Wayne G. Ancient Coin Collecting III. The Roman World – Politics and Propaganda. Seaby, H. A. and David Sear. Roman Silver Coins 1-4. Sear, David. Roman Coins and their Values. 4th Ed. Sear, David. The History and Coinage of the Roman Imperators 49-27 BC. Sydenham, Edward A. The Coinage of the Roman Republic. Reprint. (12) 30.-

3583 Rome-Culure and History. Beard, Mary and Michael Crawford. Rome in the Late Republic. Caesar. The Civil War. Crawford, Michael. The Roman Republic. Gibbon, Edward. The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Abridged. Graves, Robert. Claudius the God. Procopius. The Secret History. Randers-Pehrson, Justine D. Barbarians and Romans. Scarre, Chris. Chronicle of the Roman Emperors. Sear, David. The Emperors of Rome and Byzantium. Chronological and Genealogical Tables for Students and Coin Collectors. Sherwin-White, A. N. Roman Foreign Policy in the East. (9) 20.-

3584 Rome-Culture and History. Caesar. Der Gallische Krieg. Christ, Karl. Sulla. Eine römische Karriere. Fuhrmann, Manfred. Cicero und die Römische Republik. Gelzer, Matthias. Caesar. Der Politiker und Staatsmann.Grant, Michael. Caesar. Genie, Eroberer, Diktator. Grant, Michael. Kleopatra. Josephus, Flavius. Der Jüdische Krieg. Kähler, Heinz. Kunst der Welt. Rom und sein Imperium. Mommsen, Theodor. Römische Geschichte. Band 1-8. Paperback. Plutarch. Von grossen Griechen und Römern. Sallust. Historische Schriften. Schall, Ute. Am Anfang war die Wölfin. Frauen im alten Rom. Stöver, Hans Dieter. Die Römer. Taktiker der Macht. Tacitus. Annalen. Yourcenar, Marguerite. Ich zähmte die Wölfin. Die Erinnerungen des Kaisers Hadrian. (15) 20.-

important collection of byzantine coins auction 3

Documents