The epic Byzantine portrait thread

[voulgaroktonou]

5 hours ago, Severus Alexander said:

Michael I alone:

and with Theophylactus:

Prior to this, it seems the loros was typically reserved for the senior emperor, but on this coin Mike wears a chlamys and Theo the loros.

I don't have any Syracusan types for this emperor.

Wow! Those are wonderful!

[Valentinian]

Most Michael I coins of Syracuse are on flans too small for the dies, leaving much of the already-abbreviated legend off the flan. 

Michael I, 811-813.
19-16 mm. 2.59 grams.
Sear 1624 (which is very similar to 1625, but the reverse legend is different)
This type, "Michael alone," has his image on both sides and legend supposedly
M IXA on the obverse and M IXA on the reverse -- Michael on both sides.
Sear 1625 looks much the same but the reverse has legend ΘE  (upper left) OΘTΛ (down the right), usually off the flan, for his son and nominal co-ruler Theophylactus.
DOC 3.1 Michael I, 9, which is very similar to 10 (Sear 1625).

 

[ewomack]

I think it's time to move on to Leo V. Sorry if my schedule is off.

Leo V AD 813-820, Æ Follis (21.59mm, 5.48 grams) Constantinople Mint, Obv: LЄ-OҺ ЬASIL, crowned and draped bust facing, holding cross potent and akakia; Rev: Large M, [X/X/X] to left, cross above, N/N/N to right, A (officina) below, Sear 1629

Leo V AD 813-820, Æ Follis (23mm, 4.43 grams) Constantinopolis; LEON S CONST; facing busts of Leo (l.) and Constantine (r.); Large M between XXX and NNN; cross above and A below; Sear 1630

[voulgaroktonou]

Leo V the Armenian, emperor (813–20). Leo had an uneven military career under Nikephoros I. Initially supporting the general Bardanes Tourkos, who rebelled against Nikephoros in 803, Leo deserted Bardanes for Nikephoros, who named him commander of the foederati and gave him substantial properties in Constantinople. However, Nikephoros later exiled him, perhaps because Leo had enriched himself illegally, but Michael I recalled him and created him general of the Armeniakon theme.

After the Byzantines’ catastrophic defeat by the Bulgarians after the battle of Versinikia, Michael I  abdicated in favor of Leo V on 11 July 813. In December of that ear, Leo proclaimed his son Constantine co-Augustus.

He restored Iconoclasm, which had fallen out of favor under Irene. Because of this, Byzantine sources are hostile to Leo. He was, however, an excellent general and enjoyed a reputation for fairness and honesty. He made competent military appointments, including his longtime associate Michael (II).  However, a growing distrust of the emperor toward Michael, caused him to throw the latter into prison with the intention of executing him. However, partisans of Michael assassinated Leo in church on Christmas Day 820, vacating the throne to be assumed by Michael II.

 

Follis, Constantinople, 813.  Leo alone. 6.28 gr. 24.3 mm. 6hr. Sear 1629 (this coin); DO 6; BM 6; T. 12; R. 1795

Follis, Constantinople, 813-820. Leo with Constantine. 6.23 gr. 23.2 mm. 6h. Sear 1630; DO 7c; BM 7-11; BNP 2-8; R. 1800-01; T. 16-19

Follis, Syracuse, 813-820. Leo with Constantine. 4.14 gr. 22.7 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1635; DO 19a; BNP 1-7; BM 22-25; R. 1803-04; T. 22-23. The obverse is anepigraphic, but the reverse is signed with the initials of the 2 co-rulers: Λ Κ.

Follis, Syracuse, 813-820. Leo with Constantine. 2.55 gr. 19.2 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1638; DO 16; BM 36-37; T. 25-26.

[Valentinian]

@voulgaroktonou, thank you for the history. Also, the coins you showed are splendid!

Leo V, 813-820

Silver miliaresion. 24 mm. 2.10 grams.
Sear 1628
"Jesus Christ conquers"
"Leo and Constantine, by the grace of God, emperors of the Romans."


22 mm. 5.34 grams. Sear 1629.
Leo V alone, struck 813.


Sear 1630. 23 mm. 5.62 grams.
Leo and Constantine

Another one. Sear 1630. 21-18 mm. 4.25 grams.
 

The next image shows that Sear 1635 comes in different sizes:

Struck at Syracuse. Sear 1635. Left one 22-20 mm and 2.67 grams. Right one 18-17 mm and 3.28 grams.

Also from Syracuse with the common green patina. Sear 1636. 19-18 mm. 2.42 grams.
Leo V in loros
Constantine in chlamys. 

20 mm. 2.80 grams. Sear 1637, at Syracuse.
Some of the reverse legend is legible
COҺS

 

Edited July 12, 2023 by Valentinian

[voulgaroktonou]

1 hour ago, Valentinian said:

@voulgaroktonou, thank you for the history. Also, the coins you showed are splendid!

Leo V, 813-820

Silver miliaresion. 24 mm. 2.10 grams.
Sear 1628
"Jesus Christ conquers"
"Leo and Constantine, by the grace of God, emperors of the Romans."


22 mm. 5.34 grams. Sear 1629.
Leo V alone, struck 813.


Sear 1630. 23 mm. 5.62 grams.
Leo and Constantine

Another one. Sear 1630. 21-18 mm. 4.25 grams.
 

The next image show that Sear 1635 comes in different sizes:

Struck at Syracuse. Sear 1635. Left one 22-20 mm and 2.67 grams. Right one 18-17 mm and 3.28 grams.

Also from Syracuse with the common green patina. Sear 1636. 19-18 mm. 2.42 grams.
Leo V in loros
Constantine in chlamys. 

20 mm. 2.80 grams. Sear 1637, at Syracuse.
Some of the reverse legend is legible
COҺS
Great coins, as usual, @Valentinian! I love this period of the coinage.

 

 

[sand]

It's been nice to see that, so far, for every 2-day time slot, coins have been posted, in this excellent thread. Partly because @voulgaroktonou, @Valentinian, and @Severus Alexander have posted so many nice and interesting coins, for so many different Byzantine Emperors. Other Nvmis Forvms members have posted nice and interesting coins also. I also appreciate the interesting historical and numismatic information, which members have posted.

@voulgaroktonou Nice and interesting coins, and interesting historical information, for Nicephorus I, Michael I, and Leo V.

@Hrefn Beautiful Nicephorus I gold coin.

@Valentinian Nice and interesting Nicephorus I bronze coins. Interesting Michael I bronze coin. Nice and interesting coins for Leo V.

@Severus Alexander Interesting Nicephorus I bronze coins. Interesting Michael I bronze coins.

@ewomack Nice and interesting Leo V bronze coins.

Leo V was the Byzantine Emperor from  813 AD to 820 AD. The following map shows the Byzantine Empire, near the end of Leo V's reign in 820 AD.

Here's my Leo V 40 nummi bronze coin. The portraits of Leo V and his son Constantine, continue the trend of very abstract, inverted equilateral triangle shaped faces, in other words "heart shaped heads". My coin is a typical 40 nummi bronze coin from the Syracuse mint, with a small flan, and therefore some parts of the devices and legends are off flan.

Leo V. AE 40 Nummi Follis. Minted 813 AD To 820 AD. Syracuse Mint. Sear 1638. DO 16. Maximum Diameter 18.2 mm. Weight 1.99 grams. Obverse : Leo V Bust Facing Front, Short Beard, Wearing Crown With Cross On Top, Wearing Loros, Holding Cross Potent In Right Hand, Lambda On Left, "EON" On Right. Reverse : Leo V's Son Constantine Bust Facing Front, Beardless, Wearing Crown With Cross On Top, Wearing Chlamys, Holding Globus Cruciger In Right Hand, "K" On Left, "ON" On Right.

EDIT : The map in this post, is a snapshot of the nice Youtube video titled "The History of the Byzantine Empire : Every Month".

Edited July 19, 2023 by sand

[voulgaroktonou]

4 hours ago, sand said:

It's been nice to see that, so far, for every 2-day time slot, coins have been posted, in this excellent thread. Partly because @voulgaroktonou, @Valentinian, and @Severus Alexander have posted so many nice and interesting coins, for so many different Byzantine Emperors. Other Nvmis Forvms members have posted nice and interesting coins also. I also appreciate the interesting historical and numismatic information, which members have posted.

@voulgaroktonou Nice and interesting coins, and interesting historical information, for Nicephorus I, Michael I, and Leo V.

@Hrefn Beautiful Nicephorus I gold coin.

@Valentinian Nice and interesting Nicephorus I bronze coins. Interesting Michael I bronze coin. Nice and interesting coins for Leo V.

@Severus Alexander Interesting Nicephorus I bronze coins. Interesting Michael I bronze coins.

@ewomack Nice and interesting Leo V bronze coins.

Leo V was the Byzantine Emperor from  813 AD to 820 AD. The following map shows the Byzantine Empire, near the end of Leo V's reign in 820 AD.

Here's my Leo V 40 nummi bronze coin. The portraits of Leo V and his son Constantine, continue the trend of very abstract, inverted equilateral triangle shaped faces, in other words "heart shaped heads". My coin is a typical 40 nummi bronze coin from the Syracuse mint, with a small flan, and therefore some parts of the devices and legends are off flan.

Leo V. AE 40 Nummi Follis. Minted 813 AD To 820 AD. Syracuse Mint. Sear 1638. DO 16. Maximum Diameter 18.2 mm. Weight 1.99 grams. Obverse : Leo V Bust Facing Front, Short Beard, Wearing Crown With Cross On Top, Wearing Loros, Holding Cross Potent In Right Hand, Lambda On Left, "EON" On Right. Reverse : Leo V's Son Constantine Bust Facing Front, Beardless, Wearing Crown With Cross On Top, Wearing Chlamys, Holding Globus Cruciger In Right Hand, "K" On Left, "ON" On Right.

Dear @sand, Your Leo has beautiful coloring. Also, the maps you provide showing the empire's territories chronologically are wonderful! Thank you!

[sand]

25 minutes ago, voulgaroktonou said:

Dear @sand, Your Leo has beautiful coloring. Also, the maps you provide showing the empire's territories chronologically are wonderful! Thank you!

Thanks @voulgaroktonou. In case anyone wants to look at all of the maps, for every month of the Byzantine Empire, the maps are screen shots of the Youtube video titled "The History of the Byzantine Empire : Every Month". It's a nice video.

[voulgaroktonou]

On 7/12/2023 at 8:52 AM, sand said:

Thanks @voulgaroktonou. In case anyone wants to look at all of the maps, for every month of the Byzantine Empire, the maps are screen shots of the Youtube video titled "The History of the Byzantine Empire : Every Month". It's a nice video.

Thank you for the tip - I'll watch it!

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

And now onto the iconoclast Michael II the Amorian and in the case of this coin, Theophilus too. 

Michael II the Amorian, with Theophilus. 820-829. AE Follis 5.2 grams

Constantinople mint. Struck 821-829. Crowned facing busts of Michael, wearing chlamys, and Theophilus, wearing loros / Large M; cross above, Theta symbol below

Dark (black patina) so excuse the somewhat dark photo for now

[Valentinian]

Michael II the Amorian, with Theophilus. 820-829


30 mm. 7.72 grams.
Two crowned facing busts, Michael in chlamys and Theophilus in loros.
Large M with XXX down the left and NNN down the right. Θ below.
Sear 1642. DOC 3.1 Michael II 9-10.
 

20 mm. 5.50 grams. (Much smaller than Sear 1642 and without the XXX and NNN).
Sear 1652. Syracuse mint. DOC 3.1 Michael II 21. 
 

[voulgaroktonou]

Michael II, emperor (820–29), who came to the throne after his supporters butchered Leo V at  Christmas services in 820, was from an obscure provincial family. It was said of Michael that he was so uneducated that in the time it took him to write the 6 letters of his name, Μιχαηλ, other people could read an entire book. However, once in power, reflecting on the fact that the Empire had had 7 Basileis in the previous quarter of a century, Michael raised his 17 year old son Theophilos to the throne as co-emperor either in spring 821 or early summer 822. His wise concern on providing stability for the state was later to bear fruit in the subsequent rule of his son.

Michael supported the cause of Iconoclasm, but he did so with more restraint than his iconoclastic predecessors, leading to the gradual and permanent restoration of Orthodoxy.

The emperor survived a major revolt of Thomas the Slav, but was unable to prevent the Arabs’ conquest of Crete  between 824 and 827 and their invasion of Sicily ca.827. He died of illness in October 829, becoming the first monarch in a half century to die peacefully in bed while still in possession of the throne.

 

Miliaresion, Constantinople, 821-29. 2.25 gr. 24 mm. hr. 12. Sear 1641; DO 6; BNP 1-3; BM 5; T. 21; R. 1811. The obverse 5 line inscription reads: + MIXA / HL S ΘЄOFI / LЄ ЄC ΘЄЧ / ЬASILIS RO / MAIOҺ = “Michael, with Theophilos, by grace of God, emperors of the Romans, [may you conquer!] .” The reverse inscription, IҺSЧS XRIS - TЧS ҺICA translates as “Jesus Christ conquers!” This was one of the battle cries of the eastern Roman army.

Follis,  Constantinople, 821-29. 8.34 gr. 31.7 mm. 6hr. Sear 1642; DO 10; BNP 1-11; BM 7-10; T. 23. Busts of Michael and Theophilos.

Solidus, Syracuse, 821-29. 3.82 gr. 13 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1646; DO 15. Busts of Michael and Theophilos on obverse and reverse.

Follis, Syracuse, 821-29. 4.63 gr. 6 hr. Busts of Michael and Theophilos as on the Constantinopolitan follis above. Sear 1652; DO 21; BNP 1-11; BM 20-27; Ratto 1814 (this coin); T. 27-30. Ex Garrett collection. The M on the reverse performs two functions: an allusion to the traditional mark of value of the follis as well as an initial for Michael; the Θ, placed where an officina number would be expected, stands for Theophilos.

Edited July 13, 2023 by voulgaroktonou
remove a space in the text

[ewomack]

 

Michael II the Amorian (AD 820-829) with Theophilus Æ Follis; Constantinople mint; Obv: MIXAHL S ΘЄOFILOS, crowned facing busts of Michael (on left) and Theophilus (on right); cross above; Rev: Large M, X/X/X to left, cross above, N/N/N to right, Θ below; 29.12mm; 6.21 grams; Sear 1642

[voulgaroktonou]

31 minutes ago, ewomack said:

 

Michael II the Amorian (AD 820-829) with Theophilus Æ Follis; Constantinople mint; Obv: MIXAHL S ΘЄOFILOS, crowned facing busts of Michael (on left) and Theophilus (on right); cross above; Rev: Large M, X/X/X to left, cross above, N/N/N to right, Θ below; 29.12mm; 6.21 grams; Sear 1642

Great coin!

[Hrefn]

 Here is Michael pictured with his grandson, Constantine, as featured on the reverse of a solidus of his son and successor Theophilus.  This Constantine died in childhood.   

[Valentinian]

Theophilus, 829-842

Here is one of my best Byzantine coins. It has Theophilus with his son Constantine. "Constantine was co-emperor for a very brief period, probably not more than a few weeks, in 830 or 831." DOC page 412.

31-30 mm. 8.40 grams.
Sear 1665.
ΘEOFILOS S COҺSTAҺT  
Theophilus on left in chlamys and Constantine in loros.
DOC 3.1 Theophilus 14, page 434 (1 piece) and plate XXIII.

 

[ewomack]

Theophilus (829 - 842) - He kept iconoclasm going, but it would soon end under Michel III.

Theophilus (AD 829-842) Æ Follis; Constantinople mint; AD 830-842; Obv: ΘEOFIL bASIL; Half-length figure standing facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger; Rev: ΘEO / FILE AVG / OVSTE SV / hICAS in four lines; 28mm; 8.26 grams; Sear 1667

Theophilus (AD 829-842) Æ Follis; Constantinople mint; AD 830-842; Obv: ΘEOFIL bASIL; Half-length figure standing facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger; Rev: ΘEO / FILE AVG / OVSTE SV / hICAS in four lines; 27.66mm; 7.46 grams; Sear 1667

Edited July 15, 2023 by ewomack

[voulgaroktonou]

Theophilos, emperor (829–42), son of Michael II, was crowned co-emperor by his father in spring 821. On Michael II’s death in 829, Theophilos became sole Augustus. The new emperor had a son, Constantine, whom he made co-Augustus in 830 or 831, but he died in infancy. A second son, Michael III was born in 840 and crowned in the  same year.

If Michael II was known as an unlettered rustic, his son Theophilos was schooled in art, literature, and philosophy, as well as in more practical subjects such as architecture and warfare. He possessed a deep knowledge of and respect for Islamic culture, but sadly much of his reign was spent in armed conflict against the Arabs.

He was deeply interested in the welfare of his subjects. His sound fiscal policies allowed major additions to the Great Palace, construction and restorations of many existing buildings, public and private, as well as renovations of Constantinople's walls. Perhaps influenced by his appreciation for Arab culture and religious sensibilities, Theophilos restored Iconoclasm by prohibiting all painted images, in addition to persecuting iconodules, many of whom he exiled or physically punished.  Theophilos died of dysentery in 842, and with him Iconoclasm came to an end.

 

Mint of all three coins is Constantinople.

Follis, 829-31. 7.63 gr. 30 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1666; DO 13; BNP 1-3; BM 15-16; R. 1822.

Theophilos, with Constantine. Follis, 830 or 831. 8.33 gr. 30.6 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1165;DO 14; BM 12; T. 43. As @Valentinan has noted, this is a rare coin.

Half follis, 830-42. 5.01 5.01 gr. 25.5 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1668; DO 16a; BM 27-29; R. 1826. With this class, the traditional mark of value on the reverse, by now lacking any meaning, is replaced by an inscription in several lines, as found on the miliaresia.

 

Mint of third coin, top row is Naples (?); that of the rest, Syracuse.

Solidus, 829-30. 3.97 gr. 17 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1671; DO 18.

Semissis, 831-42. 1.70 gr. 12.8 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1674; DO 26c; BM 36-40; T. 12. The faces on this class have a drawn, emaciated appearance.

Solidus, Naples (?), 831-42. 3.97 gr. 20 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1683; DO 33; BM 56-57; T. 36-37. Unlike the previous two coins, on which Theophilos appears on both sides, this coin depicts the emperor’s son Constantine on the reverse.

Follis, 830-42. 1.69 gr. 17 mm. 4 hr. Sear 1680; DO 29c; BNP 1-4. The reverse of this coin features Michael III and Constantine.

Follis, 830-42. 5.19 gr. 26.6 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1681; DO 30; BNP 5-10; BM 44-46; R. 1829. Overstruck on a follis of Michael II. DOC 3, p. 421 notes that the chronology of Theophilos’ Sicilian folles is uncertain due to a paucity of overstrikes. The overstriking of this coin on a Michael II could argue for placing it first in the series.

 

Edited July 15, 2023 by voulgaroktonou

[Nerosmyfavorite68]

Splendid examples!  I'm still out til the 960's.  My unworthy examples are not photographed.

I deeply recommend listening to either, or both the Totalus Rankium and History of Byzantium podcasts of the reign.  His nemesis, Theophobus is quite interesting as is the rich-off with the caliph.  One also must not forget his cool mechanical throne.

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

1 hour ago, Nerosmyfavorite68 said:

Splendid examples!  I'm still out til the 960's.  My unworthy examples are not photographed.

I deeply recommend listening to either, or both the Totalus Rankium and History of Byzantium podcasts of the reign.  His nemesis, Theophobus is quite interesting as is the rich-off with the caliph.  One also must not forget his cool mechanical throne.

I read somewhere that it was decorated with metal lions that roared through steam power. The Abbasid caliphate was still at its height in Baghdad with literature such as the 1001 Nights and scientific and historical breakthroughs in scholarship. And Islamic culture influenced the continuation of Iconoclasm in Byzantium at the time.

Likewise, I am out until the time of anonymous folles of the tenth century.

Edited July 15, 2023 by Ancient Coin Hunter

[Hrefn]

Here is the obverse of the solidus I posted above, showing Theophilus on the obverse, with his father Michael II and son Constantine on the reverse.  From Constantinople.  

     

And here is a Theophilus/Theophilus solidus from Syracuse.  As an iconoclast, and the last of the iconoclasts, I guess he could not think of any appropriate image for this coin, but his own.  This is the sharpest strike I have ever seen on a Byzantine coin, and weighing 3.85 grams.  DO 24 and Sear 1670.  Purchased from Edward Waddell, Ltd at the Bay State coin show 11/21/98.

 

Edited July 15, 2023 by Hrefn
Typo

[Jims,Coins]

Minted at Constantinople during the reign of Michael II & Theophilus between 829 – 829 A.D. Obv. MIXIAHL.S.0EFILOS. Facing busts of Michael II, with short beard (on l.) & Theophilus, usually beardless (on r.) both crowned, the former wearing chlamys, the latter, loros; between their heads, cross. Rev. Large M between X/X/X & N/N/N; above, cross; beneath 0. BCVS #1642.

- Minted at Constantinople during the reign of Theophilus between 2 October 829 - 20 January 842. Obv. 0EOFIL‘bASIL’.: Three quarter length figure facing, wearing Loros and crown surmounted by tufa; he holds labarum in r. hand and gl. cr. in l. Rev. +0EO/FILEAVC/OVSTE SV/nICAS.: in four lines. BCVS #1667

 

Edited July 17, 2023 by Jims,Coins

[voulgaroktonou]

It might not be too unfair to claim that Michael III, emperor (842–67) was his father’s opposite, just as Theophilos had been to his father, Michael II. For nearly  the first decade and a half of his reign, Michael was kept in the background during his mother Theodora's regency (842–56). At age 16, with help from the Caesar Bardas, Michael deposed the regents Theodora and her favorite Theoktistos and became sole emperor on 15 Mar. 856.

While kept in the shadow of power as a youth, Michael spent his time in “wild living” - drinking, and enjoying banquets, horse races, and other amusements, and sadly, once on the throne without opposition, continued to spend his energies and time on the same. However, he and the empire were both fortunate to have reliable ministers doing the real work of administration and defending the empire during his reign.

Michael fell under the sway of an Armenian peasant named Basil whom he brought into the palace and on whom he showered ever greater titles, until ultimately sharing the imperial throne with him in 866, but shortly thereafter Basil had him murdered in his palace bedroom the night of  23/4 Sept. 867.

 

 

Mint of coins on the top row is Constantinople; of that on the bottom row, Syracuse.

Miliaresion, 842-56. 1.84 gr. 22.7 mm. 12 hr. Sear 1690; DO 5; BNP 1-4; BM 8; R. 1842. Having no coins with portraits of Michael’s mother and sister, Theodora and Thecla, I can only offer a miliaresion with their names. (On a personal note, before the birth of our younger daughter, I lobbied unsuccessfully for naming her Thecla. My wife would have none of it. ☹)

 

Follis, 866-67. 9.11 gr. 27 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1693; DO 8; BNP 1-5; BM 11-12; R. 1849; T. 18. Ex Hunt collection, Sotheby’s Dec. 5-6, 1990, lot 476. The obverse depicts Michael III, while the reverse bears a bust of Basil, his newly made co-Augustus and murderer/successor.

Noteworthy of this issue is the novel use of Latin (Michael Imperat[or] and Basilius Rex), which had ceased to be the dominant language employed on the coinage since the introduction of Greek on the miliaresia introduced by Leo III. This revival of Latin was in answer to an insulting response issued by Pope Nicholas I in a letter to Michael dated 865. In an earlier letter from Michael to the Roman Curia, the emperor had written that Latin was a “barbarous and Scythian” language. The Pope replied “iam vero, si ideo linguam Latinam barbaram dicitis, quoniam illam non intelligitis, vos considerate, quia ridiculum est vos appellare Romanorum imperatores et tamen linguam non nosse Romanam.“: “Now in truth, if therefore you call the Latin language barbarous because you do not understand it, consider that it is foolish to call yourselves emperors of the Romans but yet not know the Roman language.” This coin was evidently struck to prove the survival of a knowledge of Latin at the imperial court.

 

Half Follis, Syracuse, 842-867. 2.18 gr. 17.9 mm. 7 hr. Sear 1697; DO 13. Grierson notes in DOC 3:1, p. 469” “The denomination is doubtful, the coin may be a reduced follis of the period 856-67.”

Edited July 18, 2023 by voulgaroktonou

[voulgaroktonou]

Basil I, emperor (867–86) and founder of the Macedonian dynasty, gained the throne by treachery as cruel as it was ungrateful in the murder of his patron and friend Michael III. However, during his reign of nearly 20 years, he was to prove one of the most capable and dynamic Basileis on the throne since Justinian I three centuries before. Of obscure origin, the new emperor showed himself to be concerned with fiscal administration and justice for the poor. He also built many new structures and refurbished older buildings suffering from neglect. His armies returned much of southern Italy to imperial control, although this has to be balanced against the loss of Sicily to the Arabs. He created his favorite son Constantine co-Augustus in 868, but on the young man’s death in 879, the emperor plunged into depression from which he never recovered. He also raised to the throne his other sons Leo (VI), in 870 and Alexander, in 879, although he detested the former, to the point of having him imprisoned for a time. Basil died of a hunting accident in 886.

 

Follis, uncertain (?) mint, 868-70. 5.75 gr. 29 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1721 (uncertain mint); DO (8b) = BM 11. Basil is here portrayed with his favorite son Constantine, who died in 879. The DO catalog gives the issue to Constantinople, while Sear suggests an uncertain mint.

Follis, Constantinople, 870-79. 6.18 gr. 25 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1712; DO 11; BNP 12-18; BM 22-23; R. 1865.  Basil, in center, is flanked by his 2 sons Leo and Constantine.

Follis, Constantinople, 879-886. 7.77 gr. 27 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1709; DO 12; BNP 1-4; BM 8-10; R. 1851. Leo is portrayed here alone, enthroned.  Ex Hunt collection, Sotheby’s June 21, 1991, lot 226 (part).

Semissis, Syracuse, 868-79. 1.04 gr. 13 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1714; DO 14a; R. 1859. The obverse depicts Basil; the reverse, his son Constantine. This highly debased “gold” coin is among the last issues of Byzantine Syracuse, the city falling to the Arabs in 878.