CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

Emperor:
Phocas
Denomination:
AV Solidus
Composition:
Gold
Date:
604-607 AD
Obverse:
ON FOCAS PERP AVG, Draped and cuirassed bust facing, wearing crown without pendilia and holding globus cruciger
Reverse:
VICTORIA AVGG Z / CONOB, Angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger
Reference:
DOC II 5g; MIBE 7; SBCV 618
Size:
21.53mm, 4.32g, 6h
Province:
Constantinopolis, 7th officina
Grade:
aEF, areas of flat strike, graffiti and some minor marks, edge clipped.
Pedigreed:
Provenance:
Pedigreed: ex Classical Numismatic Group eAuction 443 (1 May 2019), Lot 622
Phocas became Byzantine Emperor in 602 AD after capturing Constantinople and overthrowing the Byzantine Emperor Maurice. This usurpation was led by the Byzantine army who were fatigued from campaigning and dissatisfied with their pay. The army appointed Phocas, then a centurion, their new leader. As Byzantine Emperor, Phocas proved incompetent and brutal. His reign was marred by continued foreign attacks on his borders and failure to properly control the administration or the army. Eventually he too was overthrown, by Heraclius, who then became Byzantine Emperor.

I, Peter A. Piliouras of Ancient Coin Traders irrevocably guarantee for life to the Purchaser that this ancient coin is authentic. If this coin is deemed not to be authentic by a professional certification service, then I will refund to the Purchaser the full cost of acquiring the coin (including shipping) together with the certification fees.




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Signed: Peter Anthony Piliouras


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Date