Phocas was Byzantine emperor 602-610. His coins spell his name "FOCA" but modern historians spell it with "Ph" for "F". Some of his coins are distinguishable by his triangular face with a narrow chin and pointed beard, especially on coins of Constantinople. This one is a bit different. It is from Antioch (Theopolis) and the face is closer to normal breadth. Note the rounded "m" shaped m (= 40 in Greek) instead of the more-commonly seen "M". It is Sear 672 from year 8 = 609/610 with mintmark THEUP'. DO 90. Phocas facing, crowned, in consular robes, holding mappa and eagle-tipped scepter. Sear 672.
Nice. He was high on my want list awhile ago. Same type as yours. Phocas (602 - 610 A.D.) Æ Follis O: DN FOCA NE PE AV, Crowned bust facing, wearing consular robes, holding mappa and eagle-tipped scepter. R: Large M; cross above, A/N/N/O Ч/III across field; τHЄUP Antioch Mint,Dated RY 8 (609/10) 28mm 8.7g DOC 90; MIB 84a; SB 672
i have a couple of rough ones of this fellow... the "triangle head" is still very clear even if the details are worn.
Seems to be a great interest in Byzantium coins lately. I don't have many coins from Phocas as I have been concentrating on other rulers, but I will probably revisit him in the near future : Byzantine Empire: Phocas (602-610) Decanummium, Antioch (Sear-675) Obv: d N FOCA NE PE AV. Phocas (left) and Leontia (right) standing facing; the emperor holds globe cruciger, the empress holds cruciform sceptre; between their heads, cross. Rev: Large X between ANNO - II; cross above; beneath, P. Byzantine Empire: Phocas (602-610) AE 40 Nummia, Constantinople Mint (Sear-640) Obv: dM FOCAS PERPAVG; Bust facing, wearing consular robes and crown with cross (no pendilia). In right hand, mappa; in left hand, cross Rev: Large XXXX, ANNO above, regnal year to right, mintmark CON and officina letter below.
I have very rarely a chance to show this coins so here is a Phocas solidus. When I bought it, melt was a lot less and there was zero demand for low end gold so I suspect many were actually melted.
Phocas with a very triangular face! Æ Follis (28.4 mm, 13.35 g). Constantinople mint. Struck 602/603 CE. Obv: δmFOCA ЄPPAVG, Phocas and Leontia stg. facing. The Emperor holds globus cruciger, the Empress, nimbate, holds cruciform scepter. Rev: Large M, surmounted by cross; ANNO to left, I (regnal year 1) right, CONB in exergue. Sear 639; MIB 129, 60a; DOC 163, 24b.
All my Phocas coins are as result of lot-group rather than individual purchase. – I did not buy that lot because of him, they just followed with the bag. 40 nummi: Half follis both Constantinople: Half follis with leonitia minted in Thessalonica:
