October 1999 Coin of the Month


 

A NEW DISCOVERY!  This tremissis of Heraclius was found in a grouping/hoard of solidi from Jerusalem/Cyprus.  It has an extremely high relief obverse with a style that so different from any other tremissis previously known for Heraclius.  The style is very similar to that of the Jerusalem/Cyprus solidi and only makes sense as a tremissis from that mint.  Previously attributed semissis and tremissis for Jerusalem/Cyprus now need to be reconsidered as this piece truly matches the style of the long recognized solidi.  The piece weighs 1.36g and has an interesting die break/collapse on the rear of Heraclius head.  This piece is another compelling reason why collecting Byzantine coinage is so interesting, because there are still many items yet to be discovered.