Description
Basil I ‘the Macedonian’, Byzantine Emperor from 867-886 AD, Gold Solidus (4.42g, 20mm), Dynastic issue with his eldest son Constantine, struck at Constantinople mint. Obverse: Christ enthroned facing forward wearing nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, and raising his right hand in benediction; in his left hand the Book of Gospels, legend around, “✠ IhS XPS RЄX RЄςNANTIЧM ⁎”. Reverse: Facing forward busts of Basil I on the right, crowned and beardless and wearing loros, and co-ruler and eldest son Constantine on the left, crowned and clad in chlamys, a Patriarchal Cross held between them, legend around, “bASILIOS ЄT COҺSꞆAҺꞆ AЧςς b”. Sear-1704. An attractive, well centred example – its collectibility only bolstered by the fortunate absence of graffiti. Minor weakness over Christ’s chest. About Extremely Fine.