© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
1 Solidus In the name of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine; Cross with flat ends; sinking busts
| Gold | 4.35 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Avar Khaganate |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 629-796 |
| Value | 1 Solidus |
| Currency | Solidus (629-796) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.35 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#151490 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Cross on four steps surrounded by nearly nonsensical legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIVGAC - AOACIV
NOC
Translation:
[Victoria Augustus / Constantinople]
[Victory of the August / Constantinople]
Edge
Plain
Comment
The exact date-range of these pieces is not certain. For the beginning date, many sources list 610, since that was when Heraclius came into power; however, Heraclius Constantine was only born in 612 (he was Heraclius's son). Some sources say this coin was struck after 616, but seeing as how Heraclius Constantine has a mustache, it was probably much later than that (around 629 would make the most sense).After Heraclius died in 641, Heraclius Constantine took over, ruling for only a couple months. While some sources list 641 as the end date, Heraclius seems younger in the portrait, meaning the original coin was most likely struck before that date. Even so, this is an imitation of a real coin, so it could have been struck anytime after 641. It is unlikely this coin was struck after 796, since that is around when Franks conquered the Avars, so that is the most likely end-date.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was used as a form of currency during the Avar Khaganate, a powerful tribal confederation that played a significant role in the history of Eastern Europe and the Byzantine Empire during the 7th and 9th centuries.
