Rrr Consular Half-siliqua Of Maurice — A/ω — Certificate Of Authenticity

COIN AVAILABLE — THE DIFFERENT PAYMENT METHODS ARE LISTED AT THE END OF THE DESCRIPTION.

This silver half-siliqua of Maurice Tiberius (AD 582–602), attributed to the Carthage mint and linked to the consular issue of AD 602, belongs to a highly sought-after group of small western fractions: a solemn frontal portrait in consular dress paired with a strongly symbolic Christian reverse (potent cross on steps, A–Ω), all framed by the characteristic African late-issue double arrangement of beaded border plus outer wreath. The type is firmly referenced as MIB II 61 and Sear (SB) 553, with institutional collection documentation (Dumbarton Oaks) supporting the dating to 602.

Close examination with a ×10 loupe and raking light: inspection shows a hammer-struck coin on a small, irregular flan, with a satin light-grey silver tone and fine intersecting hairline striations in the fields (superficial marks consistent with old handling and/or earlier cleaning). The relief (face, crown, cross, and steps) catches the light sharply. The edge displays pronounced flan losses/notches (notably along one lateral sector), a frequent feature on this module, without the overall appearance (metal, relief, decorative logic) suggesting—within the strict limits of visual examination—any modern manufacture.

The obverse presents a frontal, crowned bust in late Byzantine style: full face, wide-open eyes, straight nose, and fine mouth, with a structured headgear/crown formed by a band and a raised central element. Under magnification, the expected ceremonial attire is discernible (a reading consistent with consular dress and accessories), even though the perimeter is affected by an incomplete flan, leaving the legend DN MAV RIC PP only fragmentarily visible—an observation consistent with this type, often governed by centering and flan shape.

The reverse is especially demonstrative: a potent cross on three steps (the three risers are clearly readable as superposed lines), flanked by A at left and Ω at right, with an inner dotted/beaded border and an outer wreath. Under raking light, the beads of the inner border appear regular, and the outer wreath retains volume despite wear, reinforcing typological readability.

• Authority: Maurice Tiberius, AD 582–602

• Denomination: Half-siliqua (AR)

• Mint: Carthage

• Issue: Consular, dated AD 602 (series attributed to the final consulship)

• Obverse: DN MAV RIC PP, frontal crowned bust in consular dress, holding mappa and sceptre/insignia (depending on variant)

• Reverse: Potent cross on three steps, A–Ω in the fields, dotted/beaded border, all within a wreath

• References: MIB II 61; Sear (SB) 553; DOC (Dumbarton Oaks) parallels cited in catalogues

• Weight: 0.92 g (as stated)

• Rarity: type regularly described as very / extremely rare in specialized notices and specimen files

The year AD 602 marks a turning point: the end of Maurice’s reign unfolds amid a military and political crisis that leads to his overthrow and the accession of Phocas. In this setting, the consular issue and the emphatic presentation of imperial Christianity on the reverse (cross on steps, Alpha & Omega as a symbol of totality and eternity) form an especially dense legitimizing message—made all the more significant on a small silver fraction from Carthage, an African mint whose late issues are clearly individualized in the standard corpora.

For collectors, this half-siliqua concentrates—on a very small module—features rarely found together:

• an immediately recognizable consular iconography (official frontal portrait);

• a strong and highly legible Christian reverse (A–Ω framing the cross);

• an attribution and date supported by the standard references (MIB / Sear) and by institutional catalogue parallels, making the coin particularly comparable, citable, and desirable within a Byzantine cabinet focused on Africa and the late 6th century.

In accordance with our practice, each specimen is examined, described, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity consistent with the standards of the art and heritage market. The study is conducted under a ×10 loupe and raking light, with technical authentication checks (typological coherence, strike structure, style, logic of symbols and borders, and surface examination within a non-destructive approach).

Provenance is European, sourced through a professional numismatic channel; acquisition results from a specialized international transaction conducted within an established numismatic network and validated by experts, according to standards expected for heritage objects.

• France: Colissimo, signature + insurance (€20)

• International: UPS, signature + insurance (€35)
  Reinforced packaging, shock protection, and systematic tracking.

Any presentation elements possibly visible (stands, lighting, staging) are intended solely for display and are not included in the sale.

We accept:

• Cheque (shipment after effective receipt of funds)

• Bank transfer (details provided upon request)

• Bank payment link (CB, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay)

We do not sell to the United States due to the complexity of import requirements applicable to cultural goods, specific customs controls, and associated insurance constraints, in order to ensure fully controlled management of the legal and logistical obligations linked to the international circulation of heritage objects.