Constans II. 641-668. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.38 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina.

Description

### Constans II. 641-668. AV Solidus

– **Diameter:** 20 mm
– **Weight:** 4.38 g
– **Die Alignment:** 6h
– **Mint:** Constantinople, 10th officina
– **Struck:** 650/1 AD

**Obverse:**
– **Design:** Crowned facing bust of Constans II, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger.

**Reverse:**
– **Design:** Cross potent set on three steps; inscription: I.

**Catalog References:**
– **DOC:** 16e
– **MIB:** 20
– **SB:** 953

**Condition:**
– Some luster
– NGC Grade: Mint State (MS)

**Provenance:**
– Ex Künker 351 (25 September 2021), lot 609
– Peus 423 (7 November 2018)
– Lanz 64 (7 June 1993), lot 951

**Historical Context:**
Constans II, also known as Constans the Bearded, was Byzantine Emperor from 641 to 668 AD. His reign was marked by military campaigns against the Arabs, Lombards, and Slavs. This solidus, struck in Constantinople, exemplifies the high-quality gold coinage of the Byzantine Empire. The obverse features Constans II holding a globus cruciger, symbolizing Christian dominion over the world, while the reverse depicts a cross potent on steps, reinforcing the Christian theme.

**For further information, please call 212 3191077**