PHOCAS GOLD SOLIDUS – IMITATIVE GERMANIC ISSUE SEEMINGLY UNPUBLISHED – NGC MS BYZANTINE COIN (Inv. 21520)

$3,450.00

*** FASCINATING GERMANIC IMITATION OF A PHOCAS SOLIDUS ***

21520. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. GERMANIC IMITATION. Ca. 7th century AD.
Gold Imitative Solidus based on an issue of Phocas, 4.35 g, 20 mm. Uncertain mint.
Obv. O N FDIΛC DЄRP AC, draped bust of Phocas, facing, holding globus cruciger. Rev. VICTIOA AΛVC, angel standing, facing, holding staff with staurogram and globus cruciger, IONΘ in exergue.
Cf. Sear 618 for prototype coin.
Ex Dr. Charles Jay Deur Collection.
NGC MS, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, “edge bends.” Extremely rare, perhaps unique, and a particularly interesting imitation, possibly of Germanic origin.