2019-06-15 Sat

Tiberius III was the Byzantine Emperor from 698 to 705 AD. He was a Germanic naval officer from the region of Pamphylia and originally named Apsimar. He overthrew the general John the Patrician at Carthage in 697.

Apsimar then led a siege against Constantinople, where other officers loyal to him opened the gates and proclaimed him emperor. His rule was considered generally successful, especially in containing the Arab threat to the east.

Tiberius III issued coins from various mints such as Constantinople, Syracuse, Italia, and Ravenna. Depicted above is a gold Solidus issued during his reign from Constantinople mint. The obverse of a coin depicts the crowned and cuirassed bust of Tiberius holding the spear in right hand and shield with horseman motif on the left shoulder. The reverse of the coin has cross potent set on three steps.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions