Maurice, Constantina & Theodosius AE 8-nummi, Cherson, 582-602

Maurice, Constantina & Theodosius, Follis, bronze, reign 582–602, struck 582–602, 11.8 g, 28 mm.

Obv. D N MAVRICI PP AV; Maurice and the Empress Constantina, both nimbate, standing facing on a dais; the emperor holds a globus cruciger, the empress a cross-tipped sceptre.

Rev. Theodosius standing facing, holding a long cross; large H (value mark for 8 nummi) to right; cross above.

Struck at Cherson; local fabric and engraving typical of the mint; dies aligned about 6h. References: Sear 607; DOC 303.2; MIB 157a. This Cherson issue publicizes the imperial family of Maurice on the northern Black Sea frontier, pairing the ruling couple on the obverse with the heir Theodosius on the reverse and using the Greek numeral H to denote an 8‑nummi value current at the mint. The type reflects dynastic messaging during Maurice’s efforts to stabilize the empire amid Persian and Balkan conflicts; the sequence ended with Maurice’s overthrow by Phocas in 602, when Maurice and Theodosius were executed and Constantina was put to death in 605.