Solidus of Phocas
dN FOCA PP AVG, profile bust of Phocas, beardless, wearing headband with chlamys / VICTORI(A) (AV)G, victory figure striding right, holding a laurel wreath in left hand and a orbis crucifer in right hand; mintmark CONO(B)
The emperor Phocas is depicted as an athlete in profile, a revival of an ancient Imperial convention. This coin, along with seven others found in the Our Lady Monastery and on the Tell, indicate an active Mediterranean economy in the period from 602-610.
Provenience: CN 270, Found in Room H along with other coins and jewelry of the Our Lady Monastery, Beth Shean, 1930
Date: 602–610 C.E.
Length: 15.25mm
Weight: AV; 2.07 g
Object Number: 31-50-391 (Field No. 30-10-368)
Further Reading:
Fitzgerald, Gerald M. 1939. A Sixth Century Monastery at Beth-Shan. Plate 4, Figs. 1-2.
Israeli, Yael and David Mevorah. 2000. Cradle of Christianity. Fig. 95.
CN 270, This object was found in Room H along with other coins and jewelry of the Our Lady Monastery, Beth Shean, 1930. Plan from Fitzgerald, Gerald M. 1939. A Sixth Century Monastery at Beth-Shan, plate II.