CONSTANTINE IV, 668-685. AV Solidus (4.45 gms), Constantinople Mint, 1st Officina, 681-685. NGC Ch MS, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 5/5. S-1157. Obverse: Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif; Reverse: Cross potent set upon three steps; A//CONOB. Incredibly dazzling and vibrant, this choice specimen features great luster and a fairly sharp strike.<p><em>Though the portrait style for other issues under this emperor can be rather bizarre to the point of caricature, this particular issue generally delivers portraits that seem more advanced in rendering. So out of place do they seem that one could, at first glance, mistake Constantine for an early modern sovereign, such as Charles I of England.</em>
