Constantine IV Pogonatus, 668-685. 'Solidus' (Bronze, 22 mm, 3.34 g, 6 h), an offstrike from Solidus dies. Constantinopolis, 674. δ N CONTNЧS P Helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust of Constantine IV facing slightly to right, bearded, holding spear in his right hand and with a shield, decorated with a horseman, over his left shoulder. Rev. VICTOA AVGЧ (officina letter) / CONOB Heraclius, on the left, and Tiberius, on the right, standing facing, each holding globus cruciger in his right hand; between them, cross potent on base and three steps. Cf. DOC 10e, MIB 7a and SB 1156 (for solidus). Apparently unique and of great interest. Rough surfaces, otherwise, very fine.


This curious bronze 'coin' has the types of a solidus of Constantine IV Pogonatus. Unfortunately, any comparison with official solidi from Constantinopolis is seriously hampered by the roughness of the offstrike, as well as by the usually crude poor style and regularly blundered legends on the regular solidi. However, the style appears to be within the boundaries of the official solidi, making it likely that it is an offstrike from the mint of Constantinopolis rather than a curious imitation in bronze.