Description
Leo I, Eastern Roman Emperor of the Leonid Dynasty 457-474 AD, Gold Solidus (4.45g, 20mm), Constantinople mint circa 462-466 AD. Obverse: Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Leo I facing forward, head turned slightly to the right, wielding spear and shield; his weapon extends behind and his shield, which is decorated with a horseman motif, rests on his left shoulder, legend surrounds, “DN LEO PERPET AVC”. Reverse: Victoria stands facing to the left, draped and holding long jewelled cross, star to left field, mintmark “CONOB” in exergue, legend surrounds, “VICTORIA AVCCC Θ”. RIC-605; Depeyrot-93/1. A truly sublime rendition of quite a common type, Leo I ‘the great’ is portrayed here in bold relief and very sharp, perfectly centre on a neat, ound flan, one of the finer known examples and very pleasing in hand, Mint State.
The Obverse Latin legend reads “Dominus Noster, Leo, Perpetuus Augustus”, with an English translaton of “Our Lord, Leo, the perpetual Augustus”. The Reverse Latin legend reads “Victōria Augustōrum” followed by the 9th officina letter “Θ”, with an English translation of “Victory of the Augusti”.