★ RARE! ★

LEO III THE ISAURIAN with CONSTANTINE V, 717-741 AD. AV, Tremissis.
Obv: δ N D LЄ[ON P A] MЧL.
Frontal bust of Leo III, bearded, wearing chlamys and crown with cross on circlet. Globus cruciger in right hand.
Rev: δ [N C]ONSTANTINЧS [.].
Frontal bust of Constantine V wearing chlamys. Cross potent on globe held by its shaft in right hand.
Sear 1528A.
Rare.
Condition: VF.
Weight: 1.41 g.
Diameter: 17.70 mm.

The long reigns of Leo III and his successors, when compared with the multiple usurpations of the imperial tenures in the two decades prior, attests to the importance of success and ability, as opposed to birth, in the length of rule and legitimacy of dynasty in Byzantium.

Constantine was a more vigorous Iconoclast than his father had been. Constantine died in 775, he was popular with the army and the people of Constantinople. He repopulated the capital following an outbreak of the plague, repaired the Aqueduct of Valens, restoring the supply of clean, fresh water to the city, and also supplied plentiful and inexpensive food.