MAURICE TIBERIUS (582-602). GOLD Solidus. Constantinople.

Obv: O N mAVRC TIЬ P P AVG.
Draped and cuirassed facing bust, wearing plumed helmet and holding globus cruciger.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGG S / CONOB.
Angel standing facing, holding globus cruciger and long staff surmounted by staurogram.

MIBE 6; DOC 5f; Sear 478.

Maurice, born in 539 in Cappadocia to a long‑established Roman family, grew up at the court of Justin II and soon became close to Tiberius, the future emperor. His military career began brilliantly: as magister militum he led difficult campaigns against the Persians, restoring discipline and achieving victories that earned him great prestige. Upon the death of Tiberius II, Maurice ascended the throne (582) and married the emperor’s daughter, Constantina. His reign was marked by constant military pressure on several fronts: in the east, against the Sasanian Persians, where he managed to restore Khosrow II to the throne in exchange for significant territorial gains; in the north, against Avars and Slavs, with harsh and often unpopular campaigns; in Italy, where he unsuccessfully tried to halt the Lombard advance despite unstable alliances with the Franks; and in Spain, where the Visigoths gradually reduced the Byzantine presence. On the administrative level, he introduced decisive reforms: the creation of the exarchates (Ravenna and Carthage), which combined civil and military authority, anticipating the future Byzantine structure of the 'themata'. In religious matters, he maintained a moderate stance, seeking to ease internal conflicts between Rome and Constantinople. In his final years, discontent grew: high taxes, his refusal to pay ransoms to enemies, and the order for troops to winter beyond the Danube sparked a military revolt. The centurion Phocas was proclaimed emperor and marched on Constantinople. Maurice fled, but was captured and executed along with his sons in 602.

Condition: Uncirculated.

Weight: 4.39 g.
Diameter: 20 mm.

Estimate: € 750.