211, Lot: 465. Estimate $100. Sold for $92. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Heraclius, with Martina and Heraclius Constantine. 610-641. Æ Follis (25mm, 5.50 g, 6h). Contemporary imitation. Imitating Thessalonica(?), 2nd officina. Dated RY 17 (626/7). Heraclius, in center, flanked by Martina, on left, and Heraclius Constantine, on right, each wearing crown and chlamys and holding globus-cruciger; two crosses flanking Heraclius’ head / Large M; cross above, A/N/N/O X/Ч/II; B//ЄCP. Cf. SB 825. VF, earthen black patina.

From the J.S. Wagner Collection.

These distinctive imitative folles were probably struck in Syria during the campaign against the Persians in the 620s, when disordered conditions led to the production of local coinages. Although relatively scarce today, they must have been struck in vast quantities.