Constans II, with Constantine IV, Heraclius, and Tiberius, 641-668. Solidus (Gold, 20 mm, 4.35 g, 6 h), Syracuse, circa 661-663. Facing bust of Constans II, with long beard, on the left, wearing plumed helmet ornamented with cross and chlamys, and Constantine IV, on the right, wearing crown surmounted by cross and chlamys;around, traces of legend.
Rev. VICTORI AVς CIKЧ / CONOB Heraclius, on the left, and Tiberius, on the right, standing facing, each holding globus cruciger; between them, cross potent on base set on four steps. DOC -. MIB 94. SB 1085E. Of the highest rarity and great historical interest. The reverse struck slightly off center
, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the collection of Prof. Dr. Hans-Ulrich Geiger, privately acquired from Dr. Frank Sternberg in December 1967 (with collector's ticket).
This solidus of Constans II, struck on the island of Sicily as suggested by the reverse legend (CIKЧ, for Sicily), is one of the great rarities in the Byzantine gold series. It was minted in Syracuse, the ancient capital of the island and a city tragically intertwined with Constans II, who moved his court there in response to Arab incursions - a decision deeply resented in Constantinople. This coin was likely struck shortly after the imperial court’s relocation to Syracuse. Constans II was also the first emperor in two centuries to visit Rome, though only for a brief two-week stay. His end was tragic: while taking a steam bath, Constans was treacherously murdered by his chamberlain. The threads of this intrigue largely remain in the shadows, though some are said to reach as far as Damascus, to the court of Caliph Muʿāwiya I.
