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BYZANTINE EMPIRE
1268
Justinian I. Gold Solidus (4.36 g), 527-565. Constantinople, 527-537. D N IVSTINI-ANVS PP AVC,
helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with
horseman spearing an enemy below. Rev. VICTORI-A AVGGG, angel standing facing, holding long cross
and globus cruciger; in right field, star; A//CONOB. (DOC 3d; MIBE 5; SB 137). Some luster remaining.
Extremely fine.
$ 500
Rare Syracuse Mint Gold Solidus of Irene, 797-802
1269
Irene. Gold Solidus (3.76 g), 797-802. Syracuse, 798-802. [EI]-RIN bASILIS, crowned bust of Irene facing,
wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cross-tipped scepter; in left field, pellet. Rev. [EIRIN] bASIL[I]
S, crowned bust of Irene facing, wear loros, holding globus cruciger and cross-tipped scepter; in left field,
C; in field to right, I. (DOC -; Anastasi 455; Spahr -; SB -).
Very
rare
. Mint state.
$ 6,000
Irene was a notable figure in early Byzantine history, and was the wife of Leo IV as well as the mother of Constantine VI. Although
Leo was an increasingly intolerant iconoclast, Irene secretly venerated icons; according to tradition, when he discovered some of
her icons she had concealed he reportedly refused to share the marriage bed with her thereafter. Nevertheless, when Leo died, Irene
became regent for the young Constantine, and she used her authority to bring an end to the divisive iconoclast movement in the
Byzantine Empire in 787, greatly improving relations with the Papacy and the Latin West. When Constantine VI came of age, Irene
refused to give up her power and assumed the title of empress in her own right. However, in 802 she was overthrown in a palace
coup and replaced on the throne by Nikephoros, her former minister of finance. Irene was exiled to Lesbos where she spent the single
year that remained of her life spinning wool to support herself.