The Phocas AV Solidus (602–610 AD) graded NGC MS 5/4 is a notable example of early 7th-century Byzantine gold coinage issued during the reign of Emperor Phocas. Phocas was the successor of Maurice Tiberius via overthrow and Phocas was later overthrown himself by Herclius after losing a civil war.
Struck in high karat gold, the obverse depicts a frontal bust of Phocas wearing a crown and holding a cross topped globus. The reverse features an early rendition of an angel, Victoria, the goddess of victory. She is the Roman/Byzantine version of the Greek Nike frequently seen on early Greek coinage. Victory is seen holding a long jeweled cross and a cross topped globus. Lovely mint state example with nice centering and a fantastic strike with flashy lustrous fields.
The Phocas AV Solidus (602–610 AD) graded NGC MS 5/4 is a notable example of early 7th-century Byzantine gold coinage issued during the reign of Emperor Phocas. Phocas was the successor of Maurice Tiberius via overthrow and Phocas was later overthrown himself by Herclius after losing a civil war.
Struck in high karat gold, the obverse depicts a frontal bust of Phocas wearing a crown and holding a cross topped globus. The reverse features an early rendition of an angel, Victoria, the goddess of victory. She is the Roman/Byzantine version of the Greek Nike frequently seen on early Greek coinage. Victory is seen holding a long jeweled cross and a cross topped globus. Lovely mint state example with nice centering and a fantastic strike with flashy lustrous fields.
