Mint State Uncirculated Byzantine Empire gold solidus coin.
Struck for EmperorsConstans II Pogonatus (641-668 CE), and his son Constantine IVat Constantinople Mint (mint mark CONOB, 1st officina) between 654 to 668 CE.
Great portrait with full readable legends.
Sear 959, approx 20mm, 4.47g.
Obverse: d N CONStA-tINЧS Є CONStANt, facing busts of Constans II (on left), wearing long beard and mustache, and Constantine IV (on right) beardless, both wearing crown and chlamys pinned at right shoulder,cross above between them.
Reverse:VICTORIA-AVΣЧ A (alpha, 1st officina), cross potent set on three steps; CONOB (mintmark) below.
Certified by NGC to MS: Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, Brushed (not significantly distracting).
Lustrous and reflective surfaces, very attractive in hand.
Amazingly detailed, a beautiful example of ancient art.
The reign of Constans II saw the permanent and significant loss of Egypt to the Arabs 642 CE. His son Constantine IVwas named co-emperor in 654 CE.