BYZANTINE EMPIRE. Constans II, with Constantine IV, 641–668. AV Solidus

BYZANTINE EMPIRE. Constans II, with Constantine IV, 641–668. AV Solidus (20 mm, 4.32 g, 6h). Constantinople, circa 654–659. δ N CONSTANTINЧS C CONSTA', crowned and draped bust of Constans II facing left, long-bearded and whiskered; to the right, facing bust of Constantine IV, crowned, draped, and beardless; above, cross. Rev. VICTORIA AVςЧ I / CONOB, cross potent on base and three steps. DOC 25j; MIB 26; SB 959. Struck during the middle years of Constans II’s reign, this solidus presents a powerful dynastic portrait pairing the mature emperor with his youthful heir, Constantine IV. The cross above their heads underscores divine sanction, while the reverse type, the cross potent on steps, is a timeless Byzantine symbol of faith and victory. These details carried strong political weight at a time when the empire struggled against Arab expansion abroad and theological division at home. The coin reflects Constans’ efforts to project stability and continuity through the inclusion of his son, who would later gain renown for defeating the Arab siege of Constantinople in 674–678. Slightly clipped and with a few faint graffiti, but otherwise well-centered, with strong detail and appealing surfaces. A historically charged issue from a turbulent era of Byzantine history.