Almost Uncirculated dated Æ Follis (40 nummi) coin, max dia. 29mm, 11.29g, Constantinople (CON) mint, 5th Officina (Є). Struck Regnal Year 7 = 588-589 CE, Sear 494.
Certified by NGC to ChAU, Strike 4/5, Surface 5/5 (Very rare grade and seldom offered as such).
Well struck with great details, full legends and impressive quality.
Pedigree: Ex. CNG 46, 6/24/1998, lot 1553 (with auction ticket).
Obverse:D N mAVR TIbeR P P A, helmeted cuirassed bust of Maurice Tiberius facing, shield decorated with horseman motif in left hand, globus cruciger surmounted by cross in right hand.
Reverse:Large M (mark of value); A/N/N/O to left, ΣI (date = regnal year 7) to right, cross above, Єbelow, CON (mintmark) in exergue.
Maurice was a prominent general, and fought with success against the Sasanian Empire. After he became Emperor, he brought the war with Sasanian Persia to a victorious conclusion. In the West Maurice consolidtaed what was left of Justinian's re-conquests. Maurice was unable to resolve threats from the Slav and Avar advance, causing a serious loss of prestige and territory. These events led to a military revolt resulting in Phocas being proclaimed Emperor.
