Solidus of Constantine IV, Constantinople

Artists

Description

Obv.: Bust of Constantine IV, three quarter facing, wearing cuirass and helmet with plume and diadem whose ties show to l.; in r. hand, spear held behind head; on l. shoulder shield decorated with horseman spearing enemy. Rev. Cross potent on base and three steps.

Dimensions

4.28g

Provenance

Jane Ayer Scott, Newton MA (by 2008), by inheritance; to her husband Wellington F. Scott III, (2008-2010), gift; to The Harvard Art Museums, 2010. There is no further information available about where Jane Scott purchased the coin. Byzantine coins, even gold solidi, were struck by the millions and circulated widely in the Byzantine Empire from Spain, Italy to Greece, Bulgaria, the Balkans, Israel, Turkey and Syria.