Heraclian countermarks on Byzantine copper coins in seventh-century Syria

Authors: Schulze, Wolfgang; Schulze, Ingrid; Leimenstoll, Wolfgang

Source: Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, Volume 30, Number 1, January 2006 , pp. 1-27(27)

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Abstract:

Countermarks with the monogram of the Emperor Heraclius (610–41) are found in Syria on Byzantine copper coins. After discussing the typology and the reading of the countermarks we reject the older proposals that the countermarks served as a kind of revaluation in connection with the Heraclian monetary reforms. Statistical analyses of 173 specimens and their provenances, as well as comparisons with contemporary finds, have led us to the conclusion that the countermarks were applied between c. 633 and 636 in Palestine I. They were presumably produced during the struggles with the invading Arabs. Circulating copper coins (old and new — folles, three-quarter and half folles) became revalued by countermarking because of the serious lack of cash at that time in Syria.

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/030701306X96573

Publication date: 2006-01-01

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