Heritage Auctions

Auction 3087  –  18 - 19 December 2020

Heritage Auctions, Auction 3087

Ancient and World Coins

Part 1: Fr, 18.12.2020, from 3:00 AM CET
Part 2: Sa, 19.12.2020, from 7:00 AM CET
The auction is closed.

Description

Leontius (AD 695-698). AV solidus (20mm, 4.46 gm, 6h). NGC Gem MS 5/5 - 5/5. Constantinople, 3rd officina. D LЄO-N PЄ AV, bust of Leontius facing, bearded, wearing crown with cross on circlet and lozenge pattern loros, akakia in raised right hand, globus cruciger in left / VICTORIA-AVϚЧ Γ, cross potent with base on three steps; CONOB below. Sear 1330. An exceptional coin, earning the highest grade NGC uses for certifying ancients. Governor of the newly created Theme of Hellas in Greece, Leontius was proclaimed emperor after the overthrow of Justinian II in AD 695. His first mistake was not executing his predecessor; instead he cut off Justinian's nose and banished him to the Crimea. With the Byzantines in turmoil, the Arabs went on the offensive in North Africa and captured Carthage in AD 698. The fleet Leontius sent to relieve the city instead rebelled and proclaimed its admiral Apsimar as emperor. Leontius abdicated and was initially spared, but was murdered after Justinian II's return to power in AD 705. The coins of Leontius boast unusually realistic portraiture, portraying him as a portly man with a close-cropped beard.

HID09801242017

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Price realized 7'250 USD
Starting price 1'500 USD
Estimate 3'000 USD
The auction is closed.
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