Revolt of the Heraclii. 608-610. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Carthage mint. Dated IY 12 (608/9). NGC Ch AU, 3/5, 4/5.

CNG Feature Auction 123
Lot: 723. Estimated: $ 15 000

Byzantine, Gold

Sold For $ 12 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Revolt of the Heraclii. 608-610. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Carthage mint. Dated IY 12 (608/9). DMN HЄR[AC]ΛI CONSVΛI IB, facing busts of Heraclius the younger, beardless, and the Exarch Heraclius, bearded, both wearing consular robes; cross above / VICTORIA CONSΛB, cross potent set on three steps; IB//CONOB. DOC 13; MIBE 2; SB 720. In NGC encapsulation 6558560-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare.

From the Gasvoda Collection. Ex Elsen 125 (13 June 2015), lot 567.

The episode known as the “Revolt of the Heraclii” marked one of the few times the East Roman Empire witnessed a “constitutional” coup d’etat. Phocas, a low-ranking officer in the Byzantine army, had seized power in AD 602, but within six years his incompetence in dealing with escalating crises had badly weakened the empire’s military position, crippled the economy, and alienated much of of society. Beginning in 608, the aged exarch of Africa and his son, both named Heraclius, began issuing coinage in opposition to Phocas at Carthage and Alexandria. This coinage named both Heraclii as consuls, an old Republican title that hadn’t been held by anyone outside the imperial family in nearly a century. The two men are shown without crowns or diadems and wearing consular robes, the age-old dress of office. By what authority the Heraclii held that title remains unclear; the Senate of Carthage could not legally bestow it, the Senate of Constantinople was under the thumb of Phocas, and the last recorded act of the Senate of Rome was to erect statues of Phocas and his wife Leontia in the Forum in AD 603. Still, even if self-appointed, the reticence of the Heraclii to claim the full imperial title and their adherence to old Republican forms bespeaks their respect for constitutional government, as opposed to the outright tyranny of Phocas. Aided by this “champions of the people” pose, the revolt gained support in the provinces and the younger Heraclius was ultimately able to enter Constantinople and depose Phocas in October of AD 610. The younger Heraclius was proclaimed emperor; the elder Heraclius passed away peacefully soon after receiving word of his son’s accession. The Carthage solidi of the Revolt of the Heraclii are far rarer than the Alexandria mint issues and are distinguished by the younger Heraclius, and future emperor, being depicted beardless.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 123 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 23-24 May 2023. This lot is in Session Three, which will begin 24 May 2023 at 9 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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