Very Rare – Gold Solidus Of Constantine IV – Carthage, 677/678 Ad – Certificate Of Authenticity

Magnificent gold solidus struck at Carthage under Constantine IV (668–685 AD), with his co-emperors Heraclius and Tiberius, dated by the 6th indiction (IY 6 = 677/678).
On the obverse, a helmeted and cuirassed bust of the emperor facing forward, holding a spear over the right shoulder and a shield on the left arm. The style, bold and vigorous, is characteristic of the African mint — strong carving, high relief, and a distinctive sculptural energy.
On the reverse, a potent cross on three steps, with Heraclius and Tiberius standing frontally on either side, each holding a globus cruciger, and the letter S (for indiction 6) in the right field. The composition, compact and hieratic, perfectly expresses the Byzantine iconography of imperial authority and Orthodox faith.
The metal exhibits a warm, satiny luster, with fine flow striations and a continuous strike rim; slight flan irregularities and the strength of die pressure confirm authentic ancient minting, enhancing the beauty of the relief.

Technical Characteristics

• Authority: Constantine IV (668–685 AD) with Heraclius and Tiberius

• Mint: Carthage

• Date: Indiction 6 (IY 6 = 677/678 AD)

• Nominal / Metal: Solidus, gold (imperial standard)

• Module / Weight: 14 mm; 4.34 g

• Obverse: Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield

• Reverse: Potent cross on three steps; S in right field; Heraclius and Tiberius standing, each holding a globus cruciger

• References: Sear 1189; DOC 45

• Rarity: Very rare for this type and mint

• Provenance: Private collection, accompanied by certificate of authenticity

• Authenticity: Certificate and expert report included

• Sale: International specialized transaction, conducted within a recognized numismatic network, validated by certified experts, according to the highest standards of the art and heritage market

Historical Context
In the 670s, the Exarchate of Africa maintained Byzantine authority against advancing Umayyad forces. The Carthage mint, loyal to Constantinople, issued solidi of distinctive style to assert imperial continuity: Constantine IV occupies the central position, flanked by his co-emperors, beneath a triumphal cross—a political and religious manifesto affirming unity and orthodoxy at the western frontier of the Empire.
These solidi, intended for military pay and fiscal transfers, reflect the resilient presence of Byzantium in Africa at the close of Late Antiquity.

Formal and Material Analysis

• Type and Style: Frontal helmeted bust, co-emperors flanking a cross potent with indiction S—fully consistent with Carthaginian dies of the late 7th century.

• Metrology: 4.34 g within the standard range of contemporary solidi; compact 14 mm flan typical of the African mint.

• Strike: No casting seam; micro-metallic waves and a peripheral die rim indicating genuine ancient striking; selective wear on high points, even and stable patina.

• Die characteristics: Strong portrait, clear symbols, legible legends—official imperial issue.
  The stylistic, metrological, and technical concordance confirms both authenticity and exceptional numismatic importance.

Cultural and Collectible Value
This solidus of Constantine IV, struck at Carthage, is an extraordinary historical document of Byzantine Africa — uniting imperial iconography, religious symbolism, and regional rarity.
With its pure gold, sculptural presence, and documentary richness, it stands as a reference piece for collectors, historians, and institutions devoted to Byzantine studies.

Note: The stands, frames, and display elements visible in photographs are for presentation purposes only and not included in the sale.