A solid gold Byzantine solidus of Emperor Heraclius, (Flavius Heraclius Augustus) struck in 641 A.D. at the Constantinople mint. 

The obverse depicts Heraclius, (centre) flanked by sons, Heraclius Constantine (right) and Heraclonas (left) standing facing. They each hold a Globus Crucinger in right hand and wear Chlamys.

The reverse shows cross on steps, the legend reads: VICTORIA AVG Ч i. - "[To the] Victory of the Emperors"

CONOB in exergue - Literally translated as, "Constantinopoli obryzum". The solidus weighed 1/72 (4.45g) of the Roman pound. "OB" was used as both an abbreviation for the word obryzum, translated as, 'refined' or 'pure gold' and as the Greek numeral 72. Thus, the exergue inscription CONOB may be read "Constantinople, 1/72 pound pure gold." -- Byzantine Coinage by Philip Grierson 

Diameter: 20 mm. Weight: 4.35 g.

Provenance: Ex English private collection. artancientltd