© Janovsky (CC BY)
© Janovsky (CC BY)
Solidus - Constans II and Constantine IV VICTORIA AVGU; Constantinopolis ND
| Gold | 4.4 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Byzantine Empire (Byzantine states) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Constans II the Bearded (641-668) Constantine IV Pogonatos (654-685) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 654-659 |
| Value | 1 Solidus |
| Currency | First Solidus Nomisma (498-720) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.4 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#187289 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
"VICTORIA AVGU" and officina letter, cross potent on three steps; mintmark "CONOB".
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VICTORIA AVGU
CONOB
Comment
Constans (as his name was popularly abbreviated) was born in 630 A.D. and was made co-emperor in 641. In the early part of his reign the Arabs continued their advance and Egypt was overrun. This was a great blow to the empire as one of its richest provinces was now permanently lost. Revolts in North Africa & Italy were put down and Constans proclaimed his son Constantine, co-emperor in 654. Four years later he achieved considerable success against the Slavs. Constans eventually removed his permanent residence to the West, in Syracuse, but his tyrannical behaviour led to his ultimate assassination in 668, to be succeeded by his son.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the joint reign of Constans II and Constantine IV, which was a rare occurrence in Byzantine coinage. The coin's inscription, "VICTORIA AVGU," translates to "Victory of the Emperor," highlighting the significance of the joint reign and the power of the Byzantine Empire during that time.
