Maurice Tiberius (AD 582-602). AV solidus (18mm, 4.47 gm, 6h). NGC AU 2/5 - 4/5, flan flaw. Carthage, dated Indictional Year 3, 2nd cycle (AD 599/600). D N mAVRI-CTb PP AN Γ, draped, cuirassed bust of Maurice Tiberius facing, wearing pearl-diademed helmet with pendilia, globus cruciger in right hand / VICTORI-A AVGG Γ (indictional year), Angel standing facing, grounded staff surmounted by staurogram in right hand, globus cruciger in outstretched left; CONOB in exergue. Sear 549. The early history of the Byzantine mint at Carthage is closely tied to political and military activity in the region. Justinian began minting gold coinage at Carthage soon after Africa's reconquest from the Vandals, but following the final defeat of the Moorish uprising in AD 548, many troops were withdrawn and the production of solidi was halted. Very few gold coins were struck in Carthage until Maurice came to the throne in AD 582. Concerned with the defense of Justinian's reconquered Western possessions, he created the Exarchate system in Africa and Italy, which stipulated that these important regions would be governed semi-autonomously by a military figure. The creation of the Exarchate of Africa meant that its capital of Carthage struck an ever-increasing number of gold solidi, and the semi-autonomous nature of the Exarchate allowed the gold coins of Carthage to gradually develop both a globular shape and a distinct (and in some cases more refined) style compared with the issues of Constantinople. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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