Lot 473: Heraclius. 610-641. Base AV solidus. Constantinople, ca. 626-629. 
AUCTION: Triskeles - Auction 18 (Auction 322)
- Sold Winning Bid: $300
- 12 Bid(s)
Heraclius. 610-641. Base AV solidus (21 mm, 4.38 g, 6 h). Constantinople, ca. 626-629. δδ NN hЄRACLIЧS Єτ hЄRA CONSτ PP AV, crowned and draped busts of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine facing; above, cross / VICTORIA AVGЧI, cross potent set on three steps; Θ//CONOB. Cf. DOC 20 (officina not recorded); MIB 21; SB 743. Toned. Good very fine.
Although a tiny bump on the edge shows the coin to have a reasonable gold content, the overall pale color of the coin along with the coppery toning indicates that the purity is not as high as most solidi of this period. Many Germanic imitations share this color and toning, yet there is no indication that this coin is imitative; stylistically it is correct for a Constantinopolitan issue. Copper was mixed with the gold used to strike Byzantine solidi. Thus, it seems that the gold used to produce the planchet for this coin was either adulterated or not very well mixed.
- Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
- Lot #: 473
- Listing #: 195690
- Closed: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 7:56:00 PM CT
- Estimate: $200