CNG 100, Lot: 453. Estimate $1500. Sold for $3000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES. Pseudo-Imperial coinage. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.29 g, 6h). In the name of Byzantine emperor Constantine IV (668-685). ∂ N-T-NЧP, diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield / VITCRA • NVIV+, cross potent with pellet on shaft set on three steps; standing figures (Heraclius and Tiberius) flanking, each holding globus cruciger; CONOB. Cf. MIB X4. Good VF, slightly wavy flan, a few light marks. Rare and interesting.

From the collection of Dr. Lawrence A. Adams. Ex John Work Garrett Collection (Part II, Leu/Numismatic Fine Arts, 16 October 1984), lot 563 (purchased from Wayte Raymond, 23 October 1923).

Presumably struck in Italy and thus likely Lombardic. In the Garrett sale, where a south Italian origin was suggested, it is noted that: “This coin appears to imitate issues from Rome but seems to have no certain relations. Hahn’s coins are rather similar: see especially X4 with the very much abbreviated legends and the peculiar treatment of the globi held by the figures on the rev. (which have the appearance of the pommels of long swords).”