Description: Phocas (602 - 641 AD). AE Pentanummium, Carthage mint. Armoured bust facing wearing crown with pendilia / V between stars with pellets above and beneath.

Diameter: AE12 mm

Weight: 1.28 g

Grade: gF/gF

Attribution: SB 689; DOC II pg. 197 note; MIB II 102

Commentary: very rare; light brown patina

History: Phocas, though rebelious upstart, left a legacy lasting - after nearly 300 years of clean shaved faces, from this time on every Roman (Byzantine) emperor featured a beard.

Article Number: 014-01-06-44287