Constans II, AE 40 Nummi. Constantinople, AD 641-668, RRRR

$480.00

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Description

Byzantine, Constans II, AE 40 Nummi (bronze, 5.15g, 22.5mm). Constantinople, AD 641-668
Obv: Facing bust with long beard, holding globus cruciger; K in right field; c/m: monogram in incuse circle
Rev: Large M, facing busts of Constantine IV, Heraclius and Tiberius, each holding globus cruciger.
Ref: Sear 1013-1014; MIB 177; c/m: K ѠT monogram c/m MIB pl. 36, km1.3, for a discussion of this Cypriot countermark cf. MIB pp. 159-60 Rarity/Choice: VR with Cypriot c/m of Constantine IV; VF
Note: This fascinating follis of Constans II from Constantinople presents the emperor facing with a globus cruciger, while the reverse depicts his sons Constantine IV, Heraclius, and Tiberius, affirming dynastic continuity. What makes this piece especially rare is the Cypriot countermark (KѠT monogram in incuse circle), most likely applied during the reign of Constantine IV (AD 668–685) when Cyprus served as a strategic frontier zone jointly administered by Byzantium and the Arabs. Such countermarked coins are scarce, reflecting both local revalidation of currency and the island’s unique role in the geopolitics of the 7th century. This example, tied to the complex history of Byzantine-Cypriot autonomy, is a highly desirable piece for collectors of rare provincial countermarks.

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