Byzantine Empire. Phocas (AD 602-610). Solidus Constantinople (No reserve price)

Byzantine gold solidus of Emperor Phocas, struck at Constantinople between AD 603 and 607.

Obverse:
Draped and cuirassed facing bust of Phocas, wearing a crown surmounted by a cross and holding a globus cruciger in his right hand.
Legend: d N FOCAS PERP AVG

Reverse:
Angel standing facing, holding a globus cruciger in the left hand and a long staff surmounted by a staurogram in the right.
Legend: VICTORIA AVGG Δ
CONOB in exergue.

Details:

Empire: Byzantine Empire
Emperor: Phocas, AD 602–610
Mint: Constantinople
Date: AD 603–607
Denomination: Solidus
Material: Gold
Weight: 4.51 g
Diameter: 21 mm
Die axis: 7h
References: DOC 5d; MIB 7; Sear 618

A lustrous and attractive example, with strong details and very little evidence of circulation. Struck from a slightly corroded obverse die, as noted in the previous auction description; otherwise exceptionally well preserved.

Provenance:
Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Web Auction 16, 22–24 May 2021, Lot 3893.

An attractive Byzantine gold solidus of Phocas, combining substantial original lustre, good preservation and documented provenance from a respected European numismatic auction house.