Unpublished Military Issue

CNG 100, Lot: 2003. Estimate $500. Sold for $2800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Phocas. 602-610. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.29 g, 6h). Uncertain mint. Struck 607-610. ∂ И FOCΛS PЄRP AVC, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧ, Angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; IC//CONOB•. Unpublished in the standard references. EF.

A highly peculiar coin. The unusual “officina” marking is somewhat reminiscent of an eastern military mint striking late in the reign of Phocas and early into Heraclius’ rule (see lot 2012 below). Although an IC marking is otherwise unknown for that series, the mint(s) issued extremely rare coins with the letters IΠ at the end of the reverse legend under Phocas and IΠ, IX or simply I under Heraclius.