Phocas




			602 - 610

	A repulsive looking man with an even worse character. The eight years of Phocas' depraved reign were catastrophic for the empire. The Persians pressed forward, and the Slavs continued their relentless overrunning of the Balkans. He was challenged for the throne by the Exarch of Carthage, Heraclius, in 608. The civil war continued for two years until Heraclius' son (also called Heraclius) gained the throne. Phocas was publicly executed.

	AE Half Follis Obv : Crowned bust, facing Rev : XX, pellet between, pellet before, cross above, epsilon after. Regnal year epsilon (5). BCV686, 606/7 Carthage Mint, 18mm diameter
	AE Decanummium (10 nummi) Obv : Crowned, cuirassed bust, facing Rev : Large X, N before with pellet above and below, M after with pellet above and below, cross above, star below. BCV688, 602 - 610 Carthage Mint, 16mm diameter
	AE 12 Nummi Obv : Almost completely worn, though appears to be a face in profile. Rev : I+B, ALEX (in Greek letters) in exergue Small coins of this type were minted at Alexandria throughout the 6th and 7th century. Without a clear obverse, it is impossible to be sure that this is a coin of Phocas. 12mm diameter
	AE 12 Nummi Obv : Diademed, draped bust, right. Rev : I+B, ALEX (in Greek letters) in exergue Another coin which is difficult to date precisely. 6th - 7th century. 17mm diameter (longest axis)