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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Byzantine Coins| ▸ |Heraclean Dynasty| ▸ |Heraclius||View Options:   | | | Joint rule with Heraclius Constantine (his son), 23 January 613 - 3 July 638 A.D. |
In 626, Constantinople was under siege by horde of about 80,000 Avars, Slavs, Bulgars, and other "barbarians" and a small Persian army allied with them. On 31 July, the barbarian and Persian allies launched an attack along the entire 5.7 kilometer length of the Theodosian Walls using the most current trebuchets, mobile armored shelters, and siege towers. On the walls, 12,000 well-trained Byzantine troops fought fiercely, holding off assault after assault. On 7 August the Persian fleet was destroyed while ferrying reinforcements. The Avars, having suffered terrible losses, and short of food and supplies, burned their siege engines and retreated to the Balkan Peninsula. Constantinople was saved.BZ111694. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 184a corr. (scepter vice gl. cr.); Tolstoi 358; Morrisson BnF 10/Ch/AD/01; Hahn MIB 198a-; Sear 849; Wroth BMC -; Ratto - ; Sommer -, F, dark patina, light deposits, weight 4.135 g, maximum diameter 28.0 mm, die axis 180o, 3rd offficina, Cyprus mint, 626 - 627 A.D.; obverse empress Martina, Heraclius, and Heraclius Constantine standing facing, each holding cross topped scepter in right hand; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross above, ANNO left, X/U/II (year 17) right, Γ (3rd officina) below, KVΠP (Cyprus) in exergue; scarce; SOLD
In 613, Heraclius appointed himself commander-in-chief, along with his brother Theodore (curopalates), to solidify command of the army. Heraclius mobilized a Byzantine expeditionary force to Antioch (Syria), but was completely defeated outside the city by the Persians. Shahin Vahmanzadegan makes further inroads into Central and Western Anatolia. In Syria, Shahrbaraz captures the cities of Damascus, Apamea and Emesa.BZ36623. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 76a; Morrisson BnF 10/Cp/AE/14; Wroth BMC 116; Tolstoi 226; Ratto 1394; Hahn MIB 160b; Sommer 11.53; SBCV 805, aVF, overstruck, weight 12.552 g, maximum diameter 33.9 mm, die axis 180o, 1st officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 613 A.D.; obverse dd NN hERACLIuS Et hERA CONSt PP A, Heraclius on left, Heraclius Constantine on right, each in chlamys holding globus cruciger in right, cross between heads; reverse large M (40 nummi), chi rho Christogram above, ANNO left, III (year 3) right, A (1st officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; interesting overstrike making a curious date, well centered on a large flan, black patina; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D., Countermarked in Sicily
BZ47785. Bronze follis, Anastasi 65a, DOC II 242, SBCV 883; Sicilian countermarks applied on a Constantinople follis, VF, weight 8.227 g, maximum diameter 30.5 mm, die axis 225o, uncertain Sicilian mint, 630 - 638 A.D.; obverse SCL within oval punch over lower part of standing figures on original coin; reverse facing crowned and draped busts of Heraclius (on left) and Heraclius Constantine, cross between their heads, within oval punch over M on original coin; [AN]NO left, Γ below M and CON mint mark from original coin; sharp detail but still obscure due to the crude nature of the type, partly uncleaned; rare; SOLD
BZ54057. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 168a; SBCV 839, gF, weight 11.254 g, maximum diameter 29.8 mm, die axis 180o, 1st officina, Cyzicus (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, 611 - 612 A.D.; obverse d N hERACLI PERP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, short beard, cross in right, shield in left; reverse large M (40 nummi) between A/N/N/O and II (regnal year 2), cross above, A below, KYZ (Kyzikos) in exergue; ex Baldwin's; scarce; SOLD
Sasanian Empire, Levantine Occupation, 610 - 629 A.D., Imitative of Heraclius with Heraclius Constantine
In 604, Khusro II personnally led the siege of Dara, Mesopotamia. Because they resisted, the inhabitants were slaughtered and everything of value was carried off to Persia. This warning was somewhat sufficient; other cities including Antioch (610), Emesa (611), and Damascus (613) surrendered under terms and opened their gates. When Jerusalem was taken in May 614, tens of thousands were massacred and the True cross was taken. In 619 when Alexandria surrendered after a long siege, the young men and monks were massacred. Evidence suggests, however, that Persians allowed the local adminstrations to resume control of these cities after the initial slaughter and looting. This type was likely struck by civic authorities for local use in one of the Levantine cities during the Sasanian Occupation.BZ65329. Bronze follis, Imitative of Heraclius with Heraclius Constantine; Pottier class IV, aF, rough, overstruck, weight 10.502 g, maximum diameter 28.6 mm, die axis 180o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 610 - 629 A.D.; obverse two imperial figures standing facing in very crude style, each holding globus cruciger in right, blundered imitation of legend around; reverse large M (40 nummi), THEUP in exergue (reverse obscured by undertype effects); unusual and rare; SOLD
BZ36636. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 169a.9 ff.; SBCV 839, VF, grainy surfaces, weight 10.933 g, maximum diameter 31.4 mm, die axis 225o, 1st officina, Cyzicus (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, 612 - 613 A.D.; obverse d N hERACLI PERP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, short beard, cross in right, shield in left; reverse large M (40 nummi) between A/N/N/O and II/I (regnal year 3), cross above, A below, KYZ (Kyzikos) in exergue; scarce; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
In 614, a Sassanid Persian and Jewish army (26,000 men) led by by Shahrbaraz captured and sacked Jerusalem after a 20-day siege. Somewhere between 57,000 and 66,500 citizens were slain; another 35,000 were enslaved, including the Patriarch Zacharias. Many churches in the city (including the "Church of the Resurrection" or Holy Sepulchre) were burned, and numerous relics, including the True Cross, the Holy Lance, and the Holy Sponge, were carried off to the Persian capital Ctesiphon.BZ77962. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 159b.4 (same dies); Morrisson BnF 10/Ni/AE/07; Wroth BMC 242; Tolstoi 270; Ratto 1436; Hahn MIB 175a; SBCV 834; Sommer 11.73, F, overstruck on a large flan, small edge cracks, strong undertype effects, weight 13.375 g, maximum diameter 31.2 mm, die axis 195o, 2nd officina, Nicomedia (Izmit, Turkey) mint, 613 - 614 A.D.; obverse Heraclius on left, Heraclius Constantine on right, both stand wearing crown and chlamys with globus cruciger in right hand, cross between heads, obscure blundered legend; reverse large M (40 nummi) between A/N/N/O and II/II (regnal year 4), cross above, B (2nd officina) below, NIK (Nicomedia) in exergue; from the Butte College Foundation, ex Lindgren; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
Heraclius came to power through revolt against the tyrannical Focas. He defeated the Sassanid Persians, but this only facilitated Arab conquest of Persia and the eastern Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines lost Syria and Palestine before Heraclius died and Egypt fell soon after.BZ77965. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 243; Anastasi 66; Wroth BMC 398; Tolstoi 315; Ratto 1450; Morrisson BnF 10/Sy/AE/35; SBCV 884; Sommer 11.115, countermarks: F, uncertain undertype, weight 5.609 g, maximum diameter 25.9 mm, die axis 180o, Syracuse mint, 632 - 11 Jan 641 A.D.; obverse facing busts of long-bearded Heraclius and his son Heraclius Constantine, wearing short beard, cross above, all within large round countermark; traces of undertype; reverse Heraclian monogram
and SCs within large round countermark; traces of undertype; from the Butte College Foundation, ex Lindgren; SOLDByzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
In 613, a Jewish revolt against the Byzantine Heraclius led to the conquest of Jerusalem in 614 by combined Persian and Jewish forces. The Persians looted the city, and are said to have massacred its 90,000 Christian inhabitants; the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was destroyed and the True Cross captured and taken to Ctesiphon as a battle-captured holy relic. Jewish Autonomy was established in the city. In September 629 Jerusalem was reconquered by the Byzantines. The Cross was returned to Jerusalem and the Jews in the city were massacred.BZ65917. Bronze follis, SBCV 810, Sommer 11.58, Hahn MIB 164b, F, large flan, weight 10.009 g, maximum diameter 32.3 mm, die axis 45o, 4th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 629 - 640 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (on left) in military dress holding long cross, Heraclius Constantine (on right) in chlamys holding globus cruciger, cross above, K right; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross over C above, ANNO left, obscure date right, Δ (4th officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
In 629, the Islamic prophet Muhammad had recently succeeded in unifying all of the nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. Those tribes had previously been too divided to pose a serious military threat to the Byzantines or the Persians. Now unified and animated by their new conversion to Islam, they comprised one of the most powerful states in the region. The first conflict between the Byzantines and Muslims was the Battle of Mu'tah in September 629. A small Muslim skirmishing force attacked the province of Arabia but were repulsed. Because the engagement was a Byzantine victory, there was no apparent reason to make changes to the military configuration of the region. Also, once the severity of the Muslim threat was realized, the Byzantines had little preceding battlefield experience with the Arabs, and even less with zealous soldiers united by a prophet. Even the Strategicon, a manual of war praised for the variety of enemies it covers, does not mention warfare against Arabs at any length. The following year the Muslims launched raids into the Arabah south of Lake Tiberias, taking Al Karak. Other raids penetrated into the Negev reaching as far as Gaza. The Battle of Yarmouk in 636 resulted in a crushing defeat for the larger Byzantine army; within three years, the Levant had been lost again. By the time of Heraclius' death in Constantinople, on February 11, 641, most of Egypt had fallen as well.BZ77961. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 106c; Wroth BMC 156; Tolstoi 248; Ratto 1415; Hahn MIB 164a; Sommer 11.57; SBCV 810; Morrisson BnF -, F, nice desert patina, overstruck, ragged flan, weight 10.185 g, maximum diameter 27.0 mm, die axis 180o, 3rd officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 630 - 631 A.D.; obverse Heraclius in military dress holding long cross on left, Heraclius Constantine in chlamys holding globus cruciger on right; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross above, ANNO left, X/X/I right (regnal year 21), Γ below (3rd officina), CON (Constantinople) in exergue; from the Butte College Foundation, ex Lindgren; SOLD
Dumbarton Oaks 25b, this type from the 3rd officina, is described with "perhaps Q after CON." DO notes this may indicate some connection to Thessalonica.BZ57488. Bronze follis, apparently unpublished variant, DOC II-1 125 var. (Θ after CON listed only for 2nd officina); SBCV 811, F, weight 5.071 g, maximum diameter 22.2 mm, die axis 195o, 1st officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 639 - 640 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (center) in military dress, long cross in left, long beard and mustache, Heraclius Constantine (left) and Heraclonas (right) in chlamys and holding globus cruciger, all wear crown with cross; reverse large M (40 nummi), Heraclius' monogram above, A/N/N/O left, X/X/X (year 30) right, A below (1st officina), CONΘ in exergue; extremely rare; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
Overstruck on an older clipped flan as typical for the type. The obverse legend on this type is rarely this legible.BZ62086. Bronze follis, cf. DOC II-1 79b; Wroth BMC 127; Morrisson BM 22; Tolstoi 232; SBCV 805; Ratto -, aVF, overstruck, weight 8.106 g, maximum diameter 32.3 mm, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 613 - 614 A.D.; obverse dd NN hERAC hERA CONST PP (sic), Heraclius on left, Heraclius Constantine on right, each standing facing in chlamys holding globus cruciger in right, cross between heads; reverse large M (40 nummi), Christogram (chi rho monogram) above, ANNO left, II/II (year 4) right, B (2nd officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
Heraclius' second wife, Martina, was also his niece, his sister's daughter. They had at least ten children, most of whom were sickly and least two suffered birth defects, which was seen at the time as punishment for the illegality of the incestuous marriage. On his deathbed in 641, Heraclius left the empire to both his son from the first marriage, Heraclius Constantine (as Constantine III) and Heraklonas (as Heraclius II), granting them equal rank. Martina was to be honored as empress and mother of both of them. Three days later Martina announced the contents of Heraclius' will in a public ceremony in the Hippodrome of Constantinople before the Byzantine Senate and the crowds of Constantinople. This ceremony typically belonged to the succeeding Emperor, not to the Empress, but Heraclius Constantine and Heraklonas were both absent. Martina read the contents of the will and claimed the senior authority for herself. The crowd, however, instead acclaimed the names of the two Emperors and not her own. She was forced to return to the palace in defeat. When Heraclius Constantine died suddenly of tuberculosis only four months later, the common belief was that the Empress poisoned her stepson to leave Heraklonas as sole ruler. Facing rebellion, Heraklonas named Constans II, son of the late Heraclius Constantine, a co-emperor. This, however, failed to ease the discontent and by the end of the month the Byzantine Senate deposed him. His nose was slit, Martina's tongue cut out and they were exiled to Rhodes. Constans II became sole emperor.BZ65908. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 100c, Wroth BMC 183, Tolstoi 339, Ratto 1648, Hahn MIB 162a, Sommer 11.56, SBCV 808, VF, weight 6.428 g, maximum diameter 24.6 mm, die axis 225o, 3rd officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 625 - 626 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (center), Heraclius Constantine (right), Martina (left), all stand facing wearing crown and chlamys with globus cruciger in right, no legend; reverse large M (40 nummi), monogram left, ANNO over cross above, X/ς right (regnal year 16), Γ (3rd officina) below; SOLD
Cyzicus was one of the great cities of the ancient world. In 74 B.C. allied with Rome, it withstood a siege by 300,000 men led by King Mithridates VI of Pontus. Rome rewarded this loyalty with territory and with municipal independence which lasted until the reign of Tiberius. When it was incorporated into the Empire, Cyzicus was made the capital of Mysia, and afterward of Hellespontus. Gallienus opened an imperial mint at Cyzicus, which continued to strike coins well into the Byzantine era.BZ30157. Bronze follis, SBCV 840, DOC II-1 175a.4, F, rough, weight 10.924 g, maximum diameter 28.8 mm, die axis 0o, 1st officina, Cyzicus (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, 613 A.D.; obverse dD NN hERACLIUS ET hRA CONST PP AV, Heraclius (on right) and Heraclius Constantine standing facing, each wears crown with cross and chlamys, each holds globus cruciger in right, cross between heads; reverse large M (40 nummi) between A/N/N/O and III (regnal year 3), cross above, A below, KYZ (Kyzikos) in exergue; scarce; SOLD
Islamic, Arab Pseudo-Byzantine, Bilad al-Sham (Greater Syria), c. 658 - 680 A.D.
On the Byzantine original each figure holds a globus cruciger. These coins were struck in the early years of the Islamic caliphate to remedy a shortage of small change after the supply of new Byzantine copper had been cut off and before an organized system of Islamic mints had been fully established. BZ32725. Bronze follis, Goodwin type B (imitating Heraclius follis), gVF, attractive desert patina, weight 2.952 g, maximum diameter 24.5 mm, die axis 0o, obverse three standing figures, Heraclius largest crowned and bearded in center, Heraclius Constantine on right, Empress Martina on left, cross standing to left of each figure; reverse large M cross above, Heraclean monogram left, uncertain officina letter below, date right (off flan), KVZ in exergue (off flan); overstruck on a halved Byzantine follis (as typical for the type), black with red earthen fill; SOLD
Dumbarton Oaks notes the obverse legend on this type is never completely legible.BZ36622. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 79e; Wroth BMC 133; Morrisson BnF 10/Cp/AE/31; Tolstoi 234; Hahn MIB 160b; Sommer 11.53; SBCV 805; Ratto -, F, overstruck, weight 10.811 g, maximum diameter 30.9 mm, die axis 180o, 5th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 613 - 614 A.D.; obverse dd NN hERACLIuS Et hERA CONSt PP A, Heraclius on left, Heraclius Constantine on right, each in chlamys holding globus cruciger in right, cross between heads; reverse large M (40 nummi), chi rho Christogram above, ANNO left, II/II (year 4) right, E (5th officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; nice black patina; SOLD
Islamic, Arab Pseudo-Byzantine, Bilad al-Sham (Greater Syria), c. 658 - 680 A.D.
IS36624. Bronze follis, Goodwin Type B (imitating Heraclius, Cyprus mint, SBCV 849; DOC II-1 185), F, weight 4.639 g, maximum diameter 23.0 mm, die axis 45o, obverse Heraclius (center), Heraclius Constantine (left) and Heraclonas (right), all standing facing, globus cruciger in right, wearing chlamys crown with cross,; reverse large M (40 nummi), monogram above, ANNO left, X/UI/II (year 18) right, Γ below (3th officina), KVΠP in exergue; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
Heraclius offered peace to Khusro, presumably in 624, threatening otherwise to invade Persia, but Khusro rejected the offer. Heraclius marched into Persia with an army of probably less than 25,000 men, willingly abandoning any attempt to secure his rear or maintain lines of communication. Heraclius fought brilliantly and bravely repeatedly defeated the Persian forces. When the war ended in 628, Khusro had been murdered by his own men, the Byzantines regained all their lost territories, their captured soldiers, a war indemnity, and most importantly for them, the True Cross and other relics that were lost in Jerusalem in 614.BZ64050. Bronze decanummium, Anastasi 62; DOC II-1 257; Wroth BMC 410; SBCV 886; Hahn MIB 241, VF, pit (flan defect?) on reverse, weight 5.067 g, maximum diameter 10.0 mm, die axis 180o, Sicily, Catania mint, 625 - 626 A.D.; obverse facing busts of Heraclius on left, bearded, and Heraclius Constantine on right, beardless; both crowned, draped and cuirassed; cross between their heads; reverse large I (10 nummi), ANNO right, X/Σ (year 16) right, CAT in exergue; scarce; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
The Byzantine-Sassanid War ended with a Byzantine victory in 628, but the war, after a century of nearly continuous conflict, left both empires crippled. The Persians suffering economic decline, heavy taxation, religious unrest, dynastic turmoil and other social problems, plunged into civil war. The Byzantines had exhausted their treasure, the Balkans had been largely lost to the Slavs, and Anatolia was devastated. Neither empire was given any chance to recover, as within a few years they were struck by the onslaught of the Arabs, newly united by Islam. The Sassanid Empire would soon be completely destroyed. The Muslim conquest of Syria, Egypt and North Africa, would reduce the Byzantine Empire to a territorial rump consisting of Anatolia and a scatter of islands and footholds in the Balkans and Italy.BZ93526. Bronze 12 nummi, Morrisson BnF p. 293 and pl. XLVI, 10/A1/AE/04 (same legend); DOC II-1 189 var. (legend); Wroth 289 ff. var. (same); SBCV 853, VF, tight flan, earthen deposits, weight 4.176 g, maximum diameter 15.8 mm, die axis 180o, Egypt, Alexandria mint, 613 - 618 A.D.; obverse dom - ERACLI, facing busts of Heraclius (on left, bearded) and his son Heraclius Constantine, each wears a crown with cross and chlamys; reverse large IB (12 nummi) divided by cross potent on two steps, AΛE
BZ27205. Bronze decanummium, DOC II-1 249; SBCV 885; Berk 605; Hahn 240, F, weight 4.365 g, maximum diameter 17.2 mm, die axis 180o, Sicily, Catania mint, 617 - 618 A.D.; obverse D N HERACLIVS P P AVG, crowned, draped, and cuirassed bust facing with short beard holding globus cruciger in right; reverse large I (10 nummi), ANNO right, ΣII (year 8) right, CAT in exergue; SOLD
Islamic, Arab Pseudo-Byzantine, Bilad al-Sham (Greater Syria), c. 658 - 680 A.D.
Overstruck on an older clipped follis (typical for the type). It appears the engraver was undecided between a cursive "m" or a capital "M." Goodwin type E has a cursive "m" reverse and is imitative of Constans II. Goodwin type F has a capital "M" reverse and is imitative of Constans II or Heraclius.BZ32727. Bronze follis, Goodwin type E - F (imitating Constans II or Heraclean follis), aVF, weight 3.412 g, maximum diameter 21.3 mm, die axis 180o, obverse emperor standing facing, wearing crown and chlamys, long cross in left, globus cruciger in right; reverse large M (with features of "m" and "M") uncertain letters and symbols around; nice "desert" black patina with red earthen fill; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
Year one of the Islamic calendar, the year during which the Hijra occurred, began on 16 July 622. Muhammad and his followers emigrated from Mecca to Medina in September.BB54952. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 94 var. (1st officina, not held in the collection); SBCV 806, F, flan crack, ragged flan, weight 6.141 g, maximum diameter 27.4 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 622 - 623 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (center), Heraclius Constantine, and Empress Martina, all stand facing wearing crown and chlamys with globus cruciger in right, no legend; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross above, ANNO left, X/II/I right (regnal year 13), Δ below (4th officina), CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
The Byzantine-Sassanid War ended with a Byzantine victory in 628, but the war, after a century of nearly continuous conflict, left both empires crippled. The Persians suffering economic decline, heavy taxation, religious unrest, dynastic turmoil and other social problems, plunged into civil war. The Byzantines had exhausted their treasure, the Balkans had been largely lost to the Slavs, and Anatolia was devastated. Neither empire was given any chance to recover, as within a few years they were struck by the onslaught of the Arabs, newly united by Islam. The Sassanid Empire would soon be completely destroyed. The Muslim conquest of Syria, Egypt and North Africa, would reduce the Byzantine Empire to a territorial rump consisting of Anatolia and a scatter of islands and footholds in the Balkans and Italy.BZ55575. Bronze 12 nummi, Morrisson BnF p. 293 and pl. XLVI, 10/A1/AE/04 corr. (same dies, legend corr); DOC II-1 189 var. (legend); Wroth 289 ff. var. (same); SBCV 853, VF, full legend, flat strike, weight 5.801 g, maximum diameter 15.9 mm, die axis 180o, Egypt, Alexandria mint, 613 - 618 A.D.; obverse dom hERACLS, facing busts of Heraclius (on left, bearded) and his son Heraclius Constantine, each wears a crown with cross and chlamys; reverse large IB (12 nummi) divided by cross potent on two steps, AΛE
On 13 August 612, Empress Eudokia, wife of Heraclius, died of epilepsy. She left two children, and was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople.BZ77430. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 154a, Wroth BMC 231, Tolstoi 63, Ratto 1306, Hahn MIB 174, Sommer 11.72, SBCV 833, VF, dark patina, weak blundered legend, weight 12.885 g, maximum diameter 31.9 mm, die axis 195o, 1st officina, Nicomedia (Izmit, Turkey) mint, 611 - 612 A.D.; obverse d N hRACLYS PERP AV (or similar), bust facing, bearded, wearing trefoil crown and paludamentum, globus cruciger in right, cross above; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross above, A/N/N/O left, II (year 2) right, A (1st officina) below, NIKO (Nikomedia) in exergue; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
The Byzantine-Sassanid War ended with a Byzantine victory in 628, but the war, after a century of nearly continuous conflict, left both empires crippled. The Persians suffering economic decline, heavy taxation, religious unrest, dynastic turmoil and other social problems, plunged into civil war. The Byzantines had exhausted their treasure, the Balkans had been largely lost to the Slavs, and Anatolia was devastated. Neither empire was given any chance to recover, as within a few years they were struck by the onslaught of the Arabs, newly united by Islam. The Sassanid Empire would soon be completely destroyed. The Muslim conquest of Syria, Egypt and North Africa, would reduce the Byzantine Empire to a territorial rump consisting of Anatolia and a scatter of islands and footholds in the Balkans and Italy.BZ68099. Bronze half follis, DOC II-1 118a; Wroth BMC 206; Tolstoi 286; Ratto 1422; Morrisson BnF 88; Hahn MIB 171a; Sommer 11.65; SBCV 815, F, overstruck, weight 3.696 g, maximum diameter 22.1 mm, die axis 180o, 1st officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 629 - 630 A.D.; obverse Heraclius, on left in military dress with long cross in right, and Heraclius Constantine, wearing chlamys holding globus cruciger in right, both stand facing wears crown with cross, Heraclius monogram left, K right; reverse large K (20 nummi), cross above, ANNO left, X/X (regnal year 20) right, A below; scarce; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
Heraclius came to power in 610 following a successful revolt in North Africa against the tyrannical rule of the Emperor Focas. His son Heraclius Constantine was elevated to joint rule in 613 A.D. Heraclius' most spectacular military achievement was the total defeat of Rome's old enemy on the eastern frontier, the Sassanid Persians. Unfortunately, this only facilitated the Arab conquest of Persia and the eastern provinces of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines lost Syria and Palestine before Heraclius died in early 641 A.D. and Egypt fell to the Arabs soon after.BB11020. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 101a; SBCV 808, gVF, weight 5.160 g, maximum diameter 24.0 mm, die axis 225o, 1st officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 626 - 627 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (center), Heraclius Constantine (right), Martina (left), all stand facing wearing crown and chlamys with globus cruciger in right, no legend; reverse large M (40 nummi), monogram left, ANNO over cross above, X/ΣI right (regnal year 17), A below (1st officina), CON (Constantinople) in exergue; ex Colosseum Coin Exchange; SOLD
BZ36630. Bronze follis, SBCV 810, smaller module after year 21, VF, overstruck, weight 4.620 g, maximum diameter 26.2 mm, die axis 45o, 1st officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 630 - 640 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (on left) in military dress holding long cross, Heraclius Constantine (on right) in chlamys holding globus cruciger, monogram above, K right; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross over C above, ANNO left, uncertain year right, Δ (4th officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
In 614, a Sassanid Persian and Jewish army (26,000 men) led by by Shahrbaraz captured and sacked Jerusalem after a 20-day siege. Somewhere between 57,000 and 66,500 citizens were slain; another 35,000 were enslaved, including the Patriarch Zacharias. Many churches in the city (including the "Church of the Resurrection" or Holy Sepulchre) were burned, and numerous relics, including the True Cross, the Holy Lance, and the Holy Sponge, were carried off to the Persian capital Ctesiphon.BZ36635. Bronze follis, Wroth BMC 2401; Morrisson BnF 10/Ni/AE/06; Tolstoi 269; DOC II-1 159a (not in collection, refs. BMC & T); Hahn MIB 175a; SBCV 834; Sommer 11.73, aVF, weight 10.089 g, maximum diameter 30.5 mm, die axis 225o, 1st officina, Nicomedia (Izmit, Turkey) mint, 613 - 614 A.D.; obverse ddNN...PA, Heraclius (on left), Heraclius Constantine (on right), both stand facing, wearing crown and chlamys, globus cruciger in right, cross between heads; reverse large M (40 nummi) between A/N/N/O and II/II (regnal year 4), cross above, A (first officina) below, NIK (Nicomedia) in exergue; SOLD
The Byzantine-Sassanid War ended with a Byzantine victory in 628, but the war, after a century of nearly continuous conflict, left both empires crippled. The Persians suffering economic decline, heavy taxation, religious unrest, dynastic turmoil and other social problems, plunged into civil war. The Byzantines had exhausted their treasure, the Balkans had been largely lost to the Slavs, and Anatolia was devastated. Neither empire was given any chance to recover, as within a few years they were struck by the onslaught of the Arabs, newly united by Islam. The Sassanid Empire would soon be completely destroyed. The Muslim conquest of Syria, Egypt and North Africa, would reduce the Byzantine Empire to a territorial rump consisting of Anatolia and a scatter of islands and footholds in the Balkans and Italy.BZ36638. Bronze 12 nummi, SBCV 861; DOC II-1 197, F, black and turquoise patina, weight 7.396 g, maximum diameter 20.1 mm, die axis 270o, Egypt, Alexandria mint, 632 - 641 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (in center) and Heraclius Constantine (right) wearing crown with cross, Heraclonas (left) with cross above head, all standing wearing chlamys and holds globus cruciger in right; reverse I-B (12 nummi) divided by cross potent over monogram, AΛE
This is the larger module for this issue. At the end of year 21 this type was reduced in size. This coin is overstruck on an earlier follis.BZ02210. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 105c; Morrisson BnF 10/Cp/AE/65; Wroth BMC 149; Tolstoi 244; Ratto 1410; Hahn MIB 164b; Sommer 11.58; SBCV 810, gF, well centered, little wear and attractive desert patina, parts of design obscure due to undertype feature effects, weight 5.91 g, maximum diameter 30.4 mm, die axis 180o, 3rd officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 629 - 630 A.D.; obverse monogram left, Heraclius in military dress holding long cross on left, Heraclius Constantine in chlamys holding globus cruciger on right; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross above, ANNO left, X/X right (regnal year 20), Γ below (3nd officina), CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
In September 629, Jerusalem was reconquered by the Byzantines from the Persian Empire. On 21 March 630, Heraclius returned the True Cross, one of the holiest Christian relics, to Jerusalem. Heraclius issued a decree that all Jews must become Christian; a massacre followed around Jerusalem and in Galilee, some survivors fled to the Daraa area.BZ02213. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 106a; Wroth BMC 153; Tolstoi 246; Ratto 1413; Hahn MIB 164b; Sommer 11.58; SBCV 810; Morrisson BnF -, F, well centered, green patina with brassy high points, overstruck with strong undertype effects, weight 10.88 g, maximum diameter 33.0 mm, die axis 180o, 1st officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 630 - 631 A.D.; obverse Heraclius in military dress holding long cross on left, Heraclius Constantine in chlamys holding globus cruciger on right; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross over C above, ANNO left, X/X/I right (regnal year 21), A below (1st officina), CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
Cyzicus was one of the great cities of the ancient world. In 74 B.C. allied with Rome, it withstood a siege by 300,000 men led by King Mithridates VI of Pontus. Rome rewarded this loyalty with territory and with municipal independence which lasted until the reign of Tiberius. When it was incorporated into the Empire, Cyzicus was made the capital of Mysia, and afterward of Hellespontus. Gallienus opened an imperial mint at Cyzicus, which continued to strike coins well into the Byzantine era.BZ12724. Bronze follis, SBCV 839, F, weight 12.171 g, maximum diameter 30.7 mm, die axis 180o, 2nd officina, Cyzicus (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, 611 - 612 A.D.; obverse O N hRACLI PERP AVG (or similar), helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, cross in right, shield in left; reverse large M (40 nummi) between A/N/N/O and II (regnal year 2), cross above, retrograde B below, KYZ (Kyzikos) in exergue; uncleaned; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
Heraclius came to power through revolt against the tyrannical Focas. He defeated the Sassanid Persians, but this only facilitated Arab conquest of Persia and the eastern Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines lost Syria and Palestine before Heraclius died and Egypt fell soon after. BZ38936. Bronze half follis, SBCV 814 (overstruck an older Constantinople mint half follis), aVF, weight 7.119 g, maximum diameter 25.1 mm, die axis 0o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 613 - 637 A.D.; obverse No legend, Heraclius, on left, and Heraclius Constantine stand facing, each wears crown and chlamys, each holds globus cruciger in left, cross between heads, X and CON form undertype; reverse large K (20 nummi), ANNO left, regnal year (off flan) right, cross above, officina letter below (obscured by overstrike effects); SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
In 613, Heraclius married his niece Martina; she becomes empress (Augusta) of the Byzantine Empire. This second marriage is considered to fall within the prohibited degree of kinship, but is approved by the Catholic Church in Constantinople. On 22 January 613, Heraclius Constantine is crowned co-emperor (Caesar) by his father Heraclius and shortly after betrothed to his cousin, Gregoria, daughter of Nicetas. Only 8 months old, Constantine has no real power and his dynastic title is purely ceremonial.BZ13450. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 76e; Wroth BMC 125; Morrisson BnF 10/Cp/AE/18; Tolstoi 230; Ratto 1399; Hahn MIB 159b; Sommer 11.51; SBCV 805, F, weight 10.676 g, maximum diameter 29.9 mm, die axis 45o, 5th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 613 A.D.; obverse dd NN hERACLIuS Et hERA CONSt PP A, Heraclius on left, Heraclius Constantine on right, both in chlamys holding globus cruciger in right, cross between heads, STN visible from undertype; reverse large M (40 nummi), chi rho Christogram above, ANNO left, II/I (regnal year 3) right, Ε (5th officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; overstruck on an older follis; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
Heraclius' second wife, Martina, was also his niece, his sister's daughter. They had at least ten children, most of whom were sickly and least two suffered birth defects, which was seen at the time as punishment for the illegality of the incestuous marriage. On his deathbed in 641, Heraclius left the empire to both his son from the first marriage, Heraclius Constantine (as Constantine III) and Heraklonas (as Heraclius II), granting them equal rank. Martina was to be honored as empress and mother of both of them. Three days later Martina announced the contents of Heraclius' will in a public ceremony in the Hippodrome of Constantinople before the Byzantine Senate and the crowds of Constantinople. This ceremony typically belonged to the succeeding Emperor, not to the Empress, but Heraclius Constantine and Heraklonas were both absent. Martina read the contents of the will and claimed the senior authority for herself. The crowd, however, instead acclaimed the names of the two Emperors and not her own. She was forced to return to the palace in defeat. When Heraclius Constantine died suddenly of tuberculosis only four months later, the common belief was that the Empress poisoned her stepson to leave Heraklonas as sole ruler. Facing rebellion, Heraklonas named Constans II, son of the late Heraclius Constantine, a co-emperor. This, however, failed to ease the discontent and by the end of the month the Byzantine Senate deposed him. His nose was slit, Martina's tongue cut out and they were exiled to Rhodes. Constans II became sole emperor.BZ43733. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 99 var. (1st officina not listed for year 15), SBCV 808, VF, weight 5.625 g, maximum diameter 23.5 mm, die axis 180o, 1st officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 624 - 625 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (center), Heraclius Constantine (right), Martina (left), all stand facing wearing crown and chlamys with globus cruciger in right, no legend; reverse large M (40 nummi), monogram left
, ANNO over cross above, X/Y right (regnal year 15), A below (1st officina); SOLD
In 613, Muhammad began preaching Islam in public.BZ57508. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 169a; Wroth BMC 256; Morrisson BnF 7; Tolstoi 70; Ratto 1311; SBCV 839, F, overstruck, weight 10.675 g, maximum diameter 32.2 mm, die axis 0o, 1st officina, Cyzicus (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, 612 - 613 A.D.; obverse [d N hERACLI] PERP K AC (sic), helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, short beard, cross in right, shield in left; reverse large M (40 nummi) between A/N/N/O and III (regnal year 3), cross above, A below, KYZ (Kyzikos) in exergue; scarce; SOLD
BZ36631. Bronze follis, SBCV 811; DOC II-2 125C, gF, weight 5.124 g, maximum diameter 25.1 mm, die axis 180o, 3rd officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 639 - 640 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (center) in military dress, long cross in left, long beard and mustache, Heraclius Constantine (left) and Heraclonas (right) in chlamys and holding globus cruciger, all wear crown with cross; reverse large M (40 nummi), Heraclius' monogram above, A/N/N/O left, X/X/X (year 30) right, Γ below (3th officina), CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
This reverse with ANNO above M is unique to Heraclius. This coin, as typical for the type, is overstruck on an older half follis probably of Maurice Tiberius or Focas.BZ02209. Bronze follis, SBCV 808; DOC II-1 102b, F, overstruck, weight 5.47 g, maximum diameter 24.1 mm, die axis 0o, 2nd officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 627 - 628 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (center), Heraclius Constantine (right), Martina (left), all stand facing wearing crown and chlamys with globus cruciger in right, no legend; reverse large M (40 nummi), monogram left, ANNO above, X/Σ/II right (regnal year 18), B below (2nd officina), CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
"CONSTANTINOPOLIS (Istanbul, Turkey - 41°02'N, 28°57'E), founded as Byzantium about 660 BC by Greeks from Megara, is located on the European side of the southern end of the Bosporus. It became a Roman ally in the second century BC, and maintained independent status until at least the first century AD. It was destroyed by Septimius Severus for aiding Pescennius Niger, but rebuilt within the same reign. Constantine I re-founded it as his capital, gave it his name, and opened a mint which struck for over 1,100 years under the Romans and Byzantines. It became the capital of the Byzantine Empire."- from Moneta Historical Research by Tom SchroerBZ11854. Bronze follis, SBCV 804; DOC II-1 71c, gF, weight 9.422 g, maximum diameter 28.0 mm, die axis 45o, 4th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 612 - 613 A.D.; obverse D N hR[ACLI-PERP]AV (or similar), cuirassed, bearded bust facing, wearing crown with trefoil ornament and paludamentum, globus cruciger in right; reverse large M (40 nummi) between A/N/N/O and I/II (regnal year 3),
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
In 613, Heraclius married his niece Martina; she becomes empress (Augusta) of the Byzantine Empire. This second marriage is considered to fall within the prohibited degree of kinship, but is approved by the Catholic Church in Constantinople. On 22 January 613, Heraclius Constantine is crowned co-emperor (Caesar) by his father Heraclius and shortly after betrothed to his cousin, Gregoria, daughter of Nicetas. Only 8 months old, Constantine has no real power and his dynastic title is purely ceremonial.BZ13455. Bronze follis, cf. DOC II-1 79b; Morrisson BnF 10/Cp/AE/12; Tolstoi 232; Hahn MIB 160a; Sommer 11.52; SBCV 805; Ratto - (refs. with Christogram vice cross), F, weight 12.590 g, maximum diameter 30.8 mm, die axis 225o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 613 - 614 A.D.; obverse dd NN hERAC hERA CONST PP (sic), Heraclius on left, Heraclius Constantine on right, each standing facing in chlamys holding globus cruciger in right, cross between heads; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross above, ANNO left, II/II (year 4) right, B (2nd officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
In September 629, Jerusalem was reconquered by the Byzantines from the Persian Empire. On 21 March 630, Heraclius returned the True Cross, one of the holiest Christian relics, to Jerusalem. Heraclius issued a decree that all Jews must become Christian; a massacre followed around Jerusalem and in Galilee, some survivors fled to the Daraa area.BZ36628. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 105d; Morrisson BnF 10/Cp/AE/72; Wroth BMC 151; Tolstoi 245; Ratto 1412; Hahn MIB 164b; Sommer 11.58; SBCV 810, gF, overstruck, weight 11.808 g, maximum diameter 32.8 mm, die axis 225o, 4th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 629 - 630 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (on left) in military dress holding long cross, Heraclius Constantine (on right) in chlamys holding globus cruciger, cross above, K right; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross over C above, ANNO left, X/X (year 20) right, Δ (4th officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; large flan; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
BZ47168. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 105a; SBCV 810, F, overstruck, weight 6.691 g, maximum diameter 28.2 mm, die axis 180o, 1st officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, obverse Heraclius (on left) in military dress holding long cross, Heraclius Constantine (on right) in chlamys holding globus cruciger, cross above, K right; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross over C above, ANNO left, uncertain year right, A (1st officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; overstruck on half of an older coin; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius, Heraclius Constantine & Martina, c. 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
Heraclius' second wife, Martina, was also his niece, his sister's daughter. They had at least nine children, most of whom were sickly and least two suffered birth defects, which was seen at the time as punishment for the incestuous marriage. On his deathbed in 641, Heraclius left the empire to both his son from the first marriage, Heraclius Constantine (as Constantine III) and Heraklonas (as Heraclius II), granting them equal rank. Martina was to be honored as empress and mother of both of them. Three days later Martina announced the contents of Heraclius' will in a public ceremony in the Hippodrome of Constantinople before the Byzantine Senate and the crowds of Constantinople. This ceremony typically belonged to the succeeding Emperor, not to the Empress, but Heraclius Constantine and Heraklonas were both absent. Martina read the contents of the will and claimed the senior authority for herself. The crowd, however, acclaimed the names of the two Emperors and not her own. She was forced to return to the palace in defeat. When Heraclius Constantine died suddenly of tuberculosis only four months later, the common belief was that Martina poisoned her stepson to leave Heraklonas as sole ruler. Facing rebellion, Heraklonas named Constans II, son of the late Heraclius Constantine, a co-emperor. This, however, failed to ease the discontent and by the end of the month the Byzantine Senate deposed him. His nose was slit, Martina's tongue cut out and they were exiled to Rhodes. Constans II became sole emperor.BZ55343. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 89a; SBCV 806, aVF, weight 8.157 g, maximum diameter 28.9 mm, die axis 0o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 615 - 616 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (center), Heraclius Constantine (right) and Empress Martina (left), all standing facing, each wears chlamys and crown with cross, each holds a globus cruciger in right; reverse large M (40 nummi), cross above, ANNO left, G (year 6) right, B below (2nd officina), CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
Heraclius came to power through revolt against the tyrannical Focas. He defeated the Sassanid Persians, but this only facilitated Arab conquest of Persia and the eastern Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines lost Syria and Palestine before Heraclius died and Egypt fell soon after.BZ68100. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 243; Anastasi 66; Wroth BMC 398; Tolstoi 315; Ratto 1450; Morrisson BnF 10/Sy/AE/35; SBCV 884; Sommer 11.115, F, overstruck, weight 5.875 g, maximum diameter 25.5 mm, die axis 180o, Syracuse mint, 632 - 11 Jan 641 A.D.; obverse facing busts of long-bearded Heraclius and his son Heraclius Constantine, wearing short beard, cross above, all within large round countermark; traces of undertype; reverse Heraclian monogram
and SCs within large round countermark; traces of undertype; SOLDByzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
In 613, Heraclius married his niece Martina; she becomes empress (Augusta) of the Byzantine Empire. This second marriage is considered to fall within the prohibited degree of kinship, but is approved by the Catholic Church in Constantinople. On 22 January 613, Heraclius Constantine is crowned co-emperor (Caesar) by his father Heraclius and shortly after betrothed to his cousin, Gregoria, daughter of Nicetas. Only 8 months old, Constantine has no real power and his dynastic title is purely ceremonial.BZ92369. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 79a; Morrisson BnF 10/Cp/AE/20; Tolstoi 231; Ratto 1400; Hahn MIB 160b; Sommer 11.53; SBCV 805; Wroth BMC -, F, centered on a broad flan, overstruck with strong undertype effects obscuring some detail, edge splits, weight 10.151 g, maximum diameter 32.4 mm, die axis 0o, 1st officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 613 - 614 A.D.; obverse JJ NN hERACLIuS Et hERA CON PP AV (or similar), Heraclius on left, Heraclius Constantine on right, both in chlamys holding globus cruciger in right, cross between heads; reverse large M (40 nummi), chi rho Christogram above, ANNO left, II/II (regnal year 2) right, A (1st officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; from a New England dealer, with previous collector's round tag; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius, 5 October 610 - 11 January 641 A.D.
According to Islamic tradition, in 621, Muhammad made the Night Journey on the steed Buraq from Mecca to Jerusalem's Temple Mount, and then he ascended to heaven where he spoke with God who gave instructions regarding prayer, and then rode back to Mecca.BZ47159. Bronze decanummium, SBCV 885, aVF, weight 3.768 g, maximum diameter 13.8 mm, die axis 180o, Sicily, Catania mint, 621 - 622 A.D.; obverse D N HERACLIVS P P AVG or similar, crowned, draped and cuirassed bust facing with short beard holding globus cruciger in right; reverse large I (mark of value) between ANNO and regnal year XII, CAT in exergue; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine, 23 January 613 - 11 January 641 A.D.
The Byzantine-Sassanid War ended with a Byzantine victory in 628, but the war, after a century of nearly continuous conflict, left both empires crippled. The Persians suffering economic decline, heavy taxation, religious unrest, dynastic turmoil and other social problems, plunged into civil war. The Byzantines had exhausted their treasure, the Balkans had been largely lost to the Slavs, and Anatolia was devastated. Neither empire was given any chance to recover, as within a few years they were struck by the onslaught of the Arabs, newly united by Islam. The Sassanid Empire would soon be completely destroyed. The Muslim conquest of Syria, Egypt and North Africa, would reduce the Byzantine Empire to a territorial rump consisting of Anatolia and a scatter of islands and footholds in the Balkans and Italy.BZ77963. Bronze 12 nummi, DOC II-1 189; Wroth BMC 289, Tolstoi 308; Ratto 1445; Morrisson BnF 10/A1/AE/01; Hahn MIB 200a; SBCV 853; Sommer 11.91, F, highlighting buff earthen fill, flan crack, weight 5.090 g, maximum diameter 15.9 mm, die axis 180o, Egypt, Alexandria mint, c. 613 - 618 A.D.; obverse dm HERACL (or similar), facing busts of Heraclius and his son Heraclius Constantine; reverse large IB (12 nummi) divided by cross potent on two steps, AΛE
In 613, Heraclius married his niece Martina; she becomes empress (Augusta) of the Byzantine Empire. This second marriage is considered to fall within the prohibited degree of kinship, but is approved by the Catholic Church in Constantinople. On 22 January 613, Heraclius Constantine is crowned co-emperor (Caesar) by his father Heraclius and shortly after betrothed to his cousin, Gregoria, daughter of Nicetas. Only 8 months old, Constantine has no real power and his dynastic title is purely ceremonial.BZ12680. Bronze follis, DOC II-1 76d; Wroth BMC 123; Tolstoi 229; Ratto 1397; Hahn MIB 160b; Sommer 11.53; SBCV 805; Morrisson BnF -, gF, weight 10.906 g, maximum diameter 30.3 mm, die axis 45o, 4th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 613 A.D.; obverse dd NN hERACLIuS Et hERA CONSt PP A, Heraclius on left, Heraclius Constantine on right, each in chlamys holding globus cruciger in right, cross between heads; reverse large M (40 nummi), chi rho Christogram above, ANNO downward on left, II/I (regnal year 3) right, Δ (4th officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
BZ36629. Bronze follis, SBCV 810; DOC II-1 112 var. (P+h monogram, 3rd officina not listed), VF, overstruck, weight 6.069 g, maximum diameter 29.6 mm, die axis 0o, 3rd officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 634 - 635 A.D.; obverse Heraclius (on left) in military dress holding long cross, Heraclius Constantine (on right) in chlamys holding globus cruciger; reverse large M (40 nummi), monogram
above, ANNO left, X/X/U (year 25) right, Γ (3rd officina) below, CON (Constantinople) in exergue; SOLD
Heraclius came to power through revolt against the tyrannical Focas. He defeated the Sassanid Persians, but this only facilitated Arab conquest of Persia and the eastern Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines lost Syria and Palestine before Heraclius died and Egypt fell soon after.BB36947. Bronze half follis, SBCV 813, Fair, weight 5.056 g, maximum diameter 20.8 mm, die axis 165o, 4th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 614 - 615 A.D.; obverse D N hRACLI PERP AVG (or similar), facing, bearded and crowned bust of Heraclius, globus cruciger in right; reverse large K (20 nummi), A/N/N/O left, I (regnal year 1) right, Δ (4th officina) below; SOLD
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