1 Solidus In the name of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, Cross with flat ends, equal busts with unbroken legend

Historical Context: This solidus, issued by the Avar Khaganate, represents a fascinating intersection of power, economy, and cultural influence. While bearing the effigies and names of the Byzantine emperors Heraclius and his son Heraclius Constantine (whose joint reign dates specifically to 629-641 CE), this coin is a barbarian imitation rather than an official imperial issue. The Avars, a formidable nomadic empire, frequently engaged in conflict and diplomacy with Byzantium. Their issuance of solidi, particularly imitations of contemporary Byzantine types, served multiple strategic purposes: facilitating trade within their vast territories and with the Byzantine Empire, projecting a degree of legitimacy and authority by associating with a globally recognized currency, and potentially as a form of prestige or tribute payment. This particular type reflects the direct interaction and economic influence exerted by Byzantium during Heraclius's reign, a period marked by significant military and administrative reforms.

Artistry: Lacking a named engraver, this Avar solidus falls within the stylistic tradition of Byzantine imitation, albeit with characteristic Avar interpretation. While the prototype would be a Constantinopolitan issue, the Avar mints typically rendered the imperial portraits with a somewhat cruder, flatter, and more stylized aesthetic, often referred to as "barbarization." The description "equal busts with unbroken legend" suggests a relatively faithful attempt to reproduce the Byzantine prototype's epigraphy, though the execution of the letterforms would likely be less refined. The "Cross with flat ends" on the reverse is a specific stylistic deviation or characteristic adopted by the Avar mint, distinguishing it from the more common Byzantine cross types and indicating a localized artistic choice within the broader imitative context.

Technical/Grading: For this specific Avar solidus type, critical high-points for assessing strike quality and wear include the fine details of the emperors' hair, beards, and facial features, particularly the eyes and noses, which are often the first areas to show weakness or abrasion. The definition of the imperial crowns and the folds of the chlamys on both busts are also crucial. On the reverse, the clarity of the central cross, especially the precise rendering of its "flat ends" and their intersection, is paramount. Furthermore, despite the legend being "unbroken," the completeness and sharpness of the individual letters around the periphery on both obverse and reverse are vital for a superior grade, as these areas are prone to weak strikes or planchet irregularities.