★ Heraclius holding a sword ★

Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine, 610-641. Follis (Bronze, 32 mm, 8.71 g, 6 h), 'sword issue', Constantinopolis, RY 20 = 629/30. Heraclius, on the left, standing facing in military attire, with moustache and long beard, wearing crown surmounted by cross, holding long cross in his right hand and sword in his left; on the right, Heraclius Constantine standing facing, short bearded, wearing crown surmounted by cross and chlamys, holding globus cruciger in his right hand; between their heads, cross. Rev. Large M between A/N/N/O and [X]X; above cross and c; below, B; in exergue, CON. DOC -. MIB -. Morton & Eden 68 (2014), 148. SB -. Minor deposits and with traces of overstriking, otherwise, very fine.

From a European collection, acquired before 2021.

This very interesting issue with Heraclius holding a sword in his left hand is only known from regnal year 20 = 629/30. It very likely refers to the victory over the Sasanians after a long and devastating war.