* Note: Rasiel Suarez's photo, digitally published on Tantalus, Coryssa/Coinvac, used with acknowledgement.
Cover coin for ERIC II by Rasiel Suarez (2010).
Constantine IV Pogonatus (668-685 CE) AV Solidus (4.37g, 19mm, 6h). Struck at the Constantinople mint, 10th officina, circa 674-681.
Obverse: D N CO(●TN)-A-NЧS PP [or similarly devolved]. Pearly-diademed, cuirassed bust facing three-quarters right, with short beard, wearing helmet with frontal plume only, holding a spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif.
Reverse: (VICTOA) AVGЧ I / CONOB. Cross potent set on three steps between facing, standing figures of Heraclius and Tiberius, each crowned, draped in chlamys, and holding globus cruciger.
References: DOC 8e; MIB 7a; SB 1154; ERIC II 64 p. 1319, 5 (obv) and 8 (rev), and front cover (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex-CNG Auction e-484 (Lancaster, PA USA; 27 January 2021), Lot 978; Rasiel Suarez Collection (Dirty Old Coins LLC); acquired 28 March, 2005 (Coryssa / COINVAC ID #1044946 = Tantalus Coin Registry 179).
Numis. Notes: This coin published in Rasiel Suarez's (2010) Encyclopedia of Roman Imperial Coins, 2nd ed. (ERIC II). An XRF Analysis performed by Suarez/Dirty Old Coins, LLC measured the alloy at 98.52% gold.