★ Mint State Solidus of Anastasius II Artemius ★

Anastasius II Artemius AD 713-715. Constantinople. 1st officina
Solidus AV

20 mm, 4,47 g

Constantinople, 1st officina. d N APTЄMIЧS A-NASTASIЧS MЧL, bust of Anastasius II facing, bearded, wearing crown and chlamys pinned at right shoulder, globus cruciger in right hand, akakia in left / VICTORIA-AVϚЧ A, cross potent with base on three steps; CONOB below.

Mint State

Sear 1463

Often perceived as a mere bureaucrat elevated unexpectedly to the imperial throne, Anastasius II Artemius showcased a level of determination and skill that belied his initial portrayal. Originally an imperial aide to various emperors, he seized the imperial mantle following a rebellion by the Opsikian Theme's soldiers in Thrace, who had ousted Emperor Philippicus due to his divisive religious stances. Chosen for his comprehensive grasp of state mechanisms and commitment to established religious norms, Artemius opted to reign as Anastasius, paying tribute to a previous emperor renowned for his economic reforms that had bolstered the empire's stability. One of his inaugural decisions was to deal decisively with the plotters against Philippicus by executing them and implementing stringent military discipline. With the looming threat of an Arab siege on Constantinople, he fortified the city's defenses and initiated the construction of a new naval fleet, which he then directed to successfully preempt an attack on Rhodes. Additionally, he entrusted the Anatolian Theme's forces to the competent leadership of Leo the Isaurian, who would later ascend to the throne, with instructions to engage in offensive operations in Syria. However, Anastasius's strict disciplinary approach eventually led to dissatisfaction among the Thracian soldiers, culminating in a second uprising. After enduring a two-month siege, they seized Constantinople, installing Theodosius III, yet another bureaucrat, as emperor. Anastasius retreated to Nicaea, where he relinquished his claim to the throne and sought refuge in monastic life. His attempt to reclaim power four years later ended in capture and execution