Description
Byzantine Gold Coin for Heraclius and his Son Hercalius Constantine year 610 _640 AD. weight 4.90 grams diameter 21 mm.
Byzantine gold Solidus of the co-emperors Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine. Heraclius came to power in 610 after overthrowing the tyrant Phocas. From 613 he ruled jointly with his eldest son, Constantine III, also known as Heraclius Constantine. The latter was born in 612 so so was joint emperor in name only, at least until later in his father’s reign. Portraying his son on his coinage solidified Heraclius’ succession. Constantine would come to the throne after Heraclius’ death in 641 though ruled for only three months before his own death from tuberculosis. He was succeeded by a brother, Heraklonas or Heraclonas. The obverse of this gold coin shows father and son, both crowned and robed, the elder bearded. A small cross appears above and between the two figures. The legend makes mention of both co-rulers. The reverse shows a cross potent on a three step plinth, the word ‘CONOB’ below for the mint of Constantinople.