Heraclius, in centre, wearing chlamys and crown with cross, Heraclonas, chlamys and with crown above head, on left and Heraclius Constantine, wearing chlamys and crown with cross, on right, all standing facing, each holding cross on globe / cross potent on triangle, I to left, B to right, A over M below; mintmark AΛEX. 17mm, 7.46 grams. Alexandria mint. SB 861B, MIB 208.

Rare denomination.

Heraclius was Byzantine emperor from 610 to 641 CE and one of the most important rulers of the early Byzantine period. He overthrew the unpopular emperor Phocas and inherited an empire threatened by the Sasanians, who captured Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. After years of setbacks, Heraclius launched a remarkable counteroffensive, defeating the Persians and recovering the lost territories by 628. Heraclius also reorganized the empire’s government and military and promoted Greek increasingly in imperial administration, helping shape the transition from the late Roman to the medieval Byzantine Empire.