Byzantine Empire. Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas (610-641). AV Solidus.

Description

Byzantine Empire: Heraclius with Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas (610-641 AD) – AV Solidus

Period: 638/9-641 AD
Mint: Constantinople, 8th Officina
Weight: 4.36 g
Condition: Good Very Fine (GVF)

Obverse:

• Design: The obverse features the crowned, facing figures of Emperor Heraclius flanked by his two sons, Heraclonas and Heraclius Constantine. Each figure is depicted standing and holding a globus cruciger, a symbol of their Christian imperial authority. This design emphasizes the co-emperorship and the unity of the ruling family.

Reverse:

• Design: The reverse shows a cross potent set on three steps, a common religious symbol representing the Christian faith and the power of the Byzantine Empire. To the left of the cross is a monogram, while the legend ends with the letter “H”. The exergue bears the mint mark “CONOB,” indicating that the coin was struck in the Constantinople mint.

Graffito and Marks:

• The coin has a graffito “X” in the right field of the reverse, likely added by a later owner, which might have served as a personal mark or an identifier. The condition of the coin is Good Very Fine, with minor wear that does not significantly affect the overall detail.

Provenance:

• Ex CNG Sale 91, September 19, 2012, lot 1041.

Historical Context: This solidus was minted during the later years of Heraclius’s reign, a time marked by both military challenges and religious reforms. The depiction of his sons alongside him highlights the continuity of his lineage and the importance of dynastic succession in the Byzantine Empire.

Heraclius’s reign was significant for his military campaigns, particularly against the Sassanian Empire, and for his role in the religious landscape of the empire. The cross potent on the reverse is a reflection of Heraclius’s commitment to Christianity, especially after the recovery of the True Cross from the Persians.

Significance: The coin is a vital artifact that showcases the Byzantine imperial iconography and the emphasis on religious symbolism during Heraclius’s reign. The inclusion of both Heraclonas and Heraclius Constantine underscores the importance of presenting a united front during a period of internal and external pressures.

Conclusion: This AV Solidus is a valuable representation of Byzantine imperial and religious power under Heraclius, offering insights into the empire’s leadership and its focus on dynastic continuity. The coin’s provenance and condition make it a significant piece for collectors and historians alike.

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