Byzantine Silver Miliaresion (Silver Coin) of Emperors Leo V and Constantine (about 1210 years ago)

Sale Price:$382.50 Original Price:$450.00
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This silver miliaresion (Byzantine silver coin) was minted between 813-820 AD in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey) during the joint reign of Emperor Leo V the Armenian and his son Constantine.

  • Front Side: Likely features a religious inscription or Christian symbolism

  • Back Side: Probably displays imperial titles and dynastic information

Technical Details:

Size: 22mm diameter

Weight: 2.17 grams

Orientation: 12h (die axis)

Condition: VF (Very Fine)

Mint: Constantinople

Historical Significance: Leo V the Armenian came to power after deposing Michael I Rangabe following a military defeat against the Bulgars. His short reign was marked by military successes against the Bulgars and a revival of Byzantine Iconoclasm (the religious policy forbidding religious images). This coin represents the Byzantine attempt to establish a dynastic succession by featuring both Leo and his young son Constantine. The miliaresion was designed to compete with Islamic silver dirhams in international trade and typically featured crosses and religious inscriptions, which ironically conflicted with Leo's iconoclastic policies that banned religious imagery in churches.

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This silver miliaresion (Byzantine silver coin) was minted between 813-820 AD in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey) during the joint reign of Emperor Leo V the Armenian and his son Constantine.

  • Front Side: Likely features a religious inscription or Christian symbolism

  • Back Side: Probably displays imperial titles and dynastic information

Technical Details:

Size: 22mm diameter

Weight: 2.17 grams

Orientation: 12h (die axis)

Condition: VF (Very Fine)

Mint: Constantinople

Historical Significance: Leo V the Armenian came to power after deposing Michael I Rangabe following a military defeat against the Bulgars. His short reign was marked by military successes against the Bulgars and a revival of Byzantine Iconoclasm (the religious policy forbidding religious images). This coin represents the Byzantine attempt to establish a dynastic succession by featuring both Leo and his young son Constantine. The miliaresion was designed to compete with Islamic silver dirhams in international trade and typically featured crosses and religious inscriptions, which ironically conflicted with Leo's iconoclastic policies that banned religious imagery in churches.

This silver miliaresion (Byzantine silver coin) was minted between 813-820 AD in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey) during the joint reign of Emperor Leo V the Armenian and his son Constantine.

  • Front Side: Likely features a religious inscription or Christian symbolism

  • Back Side: Probably displays imperial titles and dynastic information

Technical Details:

Size: 22mm diameter

Weight: 2.17 grams

Orientation: 12h (die axis)

Condition: VF (Very Fine)

Mint: Constantinople

Historical Significance: Leo V the Armenian came to power after deposing Michael I Rangabe following a military defeat against the Bulgars. His short reign was marked by military successes against the Bulgars and a revival of Byzantine Iconoclasm (the religious policy forbidding religious images). This coin represents the Byzantine attempt to establish a dynastic succession by featuring both Leo and his young son Constantine. The miliaresion was designed to compete with Islamic silver dirhams in international trade and typically featured crosses and religious inscriptions, which ironically conflicted with Leo's iconoclastic policies that banned religious imagery in churches.

Leo V the Armenian (Greek: Λέων ὁ Ἀρμενίος, Leōn ho Armenios; Armenian: Լևոն Ե Հայ; c. 775 – 25 December 820) was the Byzantine emperor from 813 to 820. He is chiefly remembered for ending the decade-long war with the Bulgars, as well as initiating the second period of Byzantine Iconoclasm.

A senior general of Armenian origin, Leo distinguished himself under Nikephoros I and Michael I Rangabe, eventually becoming the strategos of the Anatolic Theme. Taking advantage of Michael's defeat at the Battle of Versinikia, he forced the emperor to abdicate in his favour. He was able to withhold the blockade of Constantinople by Krum of Bulgaria and, after Krum's death, concluded a 30-year peace with his successor Omurtag.

In 815 Leo deposed Patriarch Nikephoros and reinstituted iconoclasm. He was assassinated by supporters of Michael the Amorian, one of his most trusted generals, who succeeded him on the throne in 820.

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