303, Lot: 572. Estimate $200. Sold for $340. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Revolt of the Heraclii. 608-610. Æ Follis (27mm, 7.70 g, 6h). Alexandria mint, 1st officina. Dated IY 14 (610). Facing busts of Heraclius, on left, and his father, the exarch Heraclius, on right, both bareheaded and wearing consular robes; cross above / Large M; cross above, A/N/N/O X/IIII across field; A//[A]ΛЄXAN[Δ]. DOC 16 (Alexandretta); MIBE 16a; SB 722 (Alexandretta). Fine, earthen brown patina.

From the Bramhall Collection. Ex Robert Bridge Collection (with his ticket).

Beginning in 608, the exarch of Africa and his son, Heraclius the elder and the younger, began issuing coinage in opposition to that of the Byzantine emperor Phocas. This coinage depicted the Heraclii in consular robes, though neither were consuls at that time. Open war culminated with the younger Heraclius’ victory over Phocas. He was crowned emperor and saw to the execution of his predecessor in 610, establishing a dynasty which would last a century.