Bucephalus Numismatic

Auction 15  –  10 - 11 February 2023

Bucephalus Numismatic, Auction 15

Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Medieval Coins, Seals, Antiquities

Part 1: Fr, 10.02.2023, from 6:00 PM CET
Part 2: Sa, 11.02.2023, from 6:00 PM CET
The auction is closed.
All items will be sent from our Belgium office.

Description

★ *Rare* *Very Fine Condition* ★

Michael III, "the Drunkard" 842-867 AD. AV, Solidus. Constantinopolis,
Rev: IҺSЧS XRISTOS *.
Half-length bust of Christ Pantokrator facing with cross behind, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left.
Rev: +mIXAHL bASIL[Є].
Crowned bust of Michael facing, wearing slight beard and loros, holding labarum in his right hand and akakia in his left.
SB 1688.
Condition: Extremely VF.
Weight: 4.3 g.
Diameter: 19.6 mm.

Michael III (839-867), "the drunkard," was grandson of Michael II, and succeeded his father Theophilus when three years old (842). During his minority the empire was governed by his mother Theodora who entirely neglected the education of her son. As a result Michael grew up a debauchee, and fell under the sway of his uncle Bardas, who induced himto banish Theodora to a convent, and pratically assumed the chief control (857); in the wars of the period Michael himself took a more active part. During a conflict with the Saracens of the Euphrates (856-63), the emperor sustained a personal defeat (860), which was retrieved by a great victory on the part of his uncle Petronas in Asia Minor. In861 Michael and Bardas invaded Bulgaria and secured the conversion ofthe king to Christianity. On sea the empire suffered under the ravages of the Cretan corsairs; and in 865 the first pillaging expedition of the Russians endangered the Bosporus. In 867 Michael was assassinated by Basil the Macedonian.

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Bidding

Price realized 16'000 EUR 45 bids
Starting price 40 EUR
The auction is closed.
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