Revolt of the Heraclii

Triton XX, Lot: 1074. Estimate $20000. Sold for $22500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Revolt of the Heraclii. 608-610. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.54 g, 7h). Military mint in the east. Struck 608. D N ЄRACLIO [C]ONSVLI BA, bareheaded busts of Heraclius the younger, and the exarch Heraclius, both bearded, each wearing consular robes; cross above / VICTORI–A AVGG, cross potent set on four steps; Γ//CONOB. DOC 10.1 (same obv. die; Alexandria); MIBE 4 (same obv. die as illustrated coin); SB 718 (Alexandria). Choice EF, minor areas of striking weakness in the legends. Extremely rare and choice for the issue.

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 88 (8 October 2015), lot 533.

Beginning in 608, the exarch of Africa and his son, both named Heraclius, began issuing coinage in opposition to that of the unpopular Byzantine emperor Phocas. This coinage named and depicted the Heraclii as consuls (though neither held the title at that time) rather than as emperors, a political move that promoted the Heraclii as champions of the people, not merely rivals to the throne. The revolt culminated with Heraclius the younger’s coup at Constantinople, where he was welcomed by the population, crowned, and saw to the execution of his predecessor in 610.