Like coins of ancient times, this Byzantine gold piece has a fascinating history tied to the ruler featured on the face of each coin. Constans II was the son of Heraclius Constantine and served as co-emperor with his uncle, Heraclonas. Canstans later became sole emperor at age of eleven when Heraclonas was deposed by the Senate. On all of his coins, Constans' name appears as Constantinus. History of Byzantine Times From the start, Constans' reign was a struggle. In the autumn of 642, the Arabs captured Egypt, which was never to be regained. This was a serious blow as Egyptian grain had long fed the capital and the province had been among the Empire’s richest. Constans battled the Muslim army on various occasions, with mixed success. Still, the east was not for Constans. In 660 he left Constantinople for the west, never to return. He established his capital at Syracuse in Sicily, from where he could control Africa and Italy. Yet high taxes and the confiscation of church property made him extremely unpopular. On July 15, 668 A.D. Constans was bludgeoned to death with a soap-dish while he bathed in a plot orchestrated by members of the nobility. Constans was succeeded by his son Constantine IV. Coins Featured the Portait of the Emperor Constans modeled his gold Byzantine coins after those of his grandfather, Heraclius. Constans changed his coin portrait as he aged from beardless to wearing a short beard, and finally to wearing a long, full beard. He also retained the potent cross on the steps on the reverse. A Finely Detailed Coin Design The obverse of this AV Solidus of Constans proclaims his intention to rule jointly with his son. Constans as the senior ruler is depicted on the left, with the junior Constantine IV on the right. The chlamys worn by the two figures is civilian garb and in most emperor portraits of the seventh century replaces the armor of earlier emperors. It was a long, embroidered purple cloak, fastened on the right shoulder by a fibula or pin, which in imperial portraits takes the form of a round brooch with three pendants. The reverse side in Latin reads CONOB: "Gold of Constantinople." Uncirculated Condition Perhaps what is most amazing about these ancient gold coins from the Byzantine era is their magnificent "Uncirculated" condition. We've had each of these coins individually examined by ancient coin experts who verify their authenticity. Then each one was assigned a grade based on its state of preservation. Only those in "Uncirculated" condition will be offered at this time. Each Constans II Gold Solidus Coin come with a 14-Day, No-Risk Moneyback Guarantee. We know you'll be absolutely thrilled with the high quality and finely detailed designs of this classic ancient coin. Order today, supplies are strictly limited. |
Order By Phone 1-800-668-9419 - Call our Specialists in Rare Coins 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please do not call to ask what your rare coins are worth. No-Risk Moneyback Guarantee - If you are not 100% satisfied, simply return your rare coins in 14 days for a full refund, including shipping, no questions asked. Accept Major Credit Cards - Order rare coins online using Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover. Personal checks welcome on all rare coin orders.
Privacy: For your safety and security, orders for rare coins are processed on Secure Servers. Information requests will be fulfilled by Austin Rare Coins. Pricing: All prices are indications only and subject to acceptance. In hot gold and silver markets, prices for rare coins can change rapidly and we reserve the right to refuse orders due to volatile coin prices or availability. ©2008 Austin Coin Collecting Society, All Rights Reserved |