Sale: CNG 69, Lot: 1830. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2005.  Sold For $350. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

HERACLIUS, with HERACLIUS CONSTANTINE and MARTINA. 610-641 AD. AR Half Siliqua (0.70 gm, 3h). Carthage mint. Struck 617-641 AD. Crowned facing bust of Heraclius / Crowned facing busts of Heraclius Constantine and Martina. DOC II 233; MIB III 149; SB 871. EF. Exceptional metal for issue. ($200)

From the Garth R. Drewry Collection. Ex Ponterio 49 (13 June 1991), lot 2169.

Heraclius married his niece Martina after the death of his first wife in 614. The marriage was condemned by the church, the populace of Constantinople, and the emperor's own family. Nevertheless, Martina remained at her husband's side during his campaigns against the Persians and Arabs, and upon his death her son Heraclonas joined Heraclius Constantine as joint emperor in 641. Martina was accused of poisoning Heraclius Constantine after his death four months later, and she and Heraclonas were deposed in favor of the son of Heraclius Constantine, Constans.