The Constans II AV Solidus (641–668 AD) graded NGC MS 4/3 is a notable example of 7th-century Byzantine gold coinage issued during the reign of Emperor Constans II. Also called “Constantine the Bearded”, he had a relatively long reign and was the last Roman consul in history. He ordered multiple military operations including withdrawing from Egypt in 642, a battle against the muslims in 655 (Battle of the Masts, which ended in defeat), and the defeat of the Slavs in the Balkans in 658, achieving peace with the Arabs in the same year. Constans feared being ousted from the thrown by his younger brother Theodosius ad had him killed in 660.
Struck in high karat gold, the obverse depicts a bust of Constans II with a large head wearing a crown and holding a cross topped globus. The reverse features the cross potent atop three steps. Lovely mint state example with nice centering and a fantastic strike with flashy lustrous fields.
The Constans II AV Solidus (641–668 AD) graded NGC MS 4/3 is a notable example of 7th-century Byzantine gold coinage issued during the reign of Emperor Constans II. Also called “Constantine the Bearded”, he had a relatively long reign and was the last Roman consul in history. He ordered multiple military operations including withdrawing from Egypt in 642, a battle against the muslims in 655 (Battle of the Masts, which ended in defeat), and the defeat of the Slavs in the Balkans in 658, achieving peace with the Arabs in the same year. Constans feared being ousted from the thrown by his younger brother Theodosius ad had him killed in 660.
Struck in high karat gold, the obverse depicts a bust of Constans II with a large head wearing a crown and holding a cross topped globus. The reverse features the cross potent atop three steps. Lovely mint state example with nice centering and a fantastic strike with flashy lustrous fields.
