Byzantine Bronze Follis of Emperor Heraclius (about 1,400-1,380 years ago)

Heraclius Dynastic AE Follis (AD 610-641) — Empire's Existential Crisis

Bronze follis from Emperor Heraclius + sons — minted during Persian triumph → Arab catastrophe transforming classical Rome into medieval Byzantium.

Imperial Family Design

• Obverse: Heraclius standing w/ Constantine III + Heraclonas — beardless → long beard evolution, imperial regalia

• Reverse: Large M (40 nummi) — cross above, mintmark, regnal year

Technical Specifications

• Material: Bronze (AE)

• Denomination: Follis (40 nummi)

• Period: AD 610-641 (Persian/Arab wars)

• Mints: Empire-wide production

Survival Transformation

• Crushed Persians, reclaimed Jerusalem + True Cross

• Arab conquests took Syria, Egypt, Palestine permanently

• Heraclius' reorganization birthed medieval Byzantine state

• Religious symbolism escalation reflects existential threats

Collector Masterpiece

Essential bronze from empire's classical → medieval transition. Heraclius survival saga.

Note: Coins shown are representative examples of grade/type, not actual specimens.