| Classical Numismatic Group > Triton XXVII | Auction date: 9 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 957 Price realized: 1,600 USD (Approx. 1,465 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Artavasdus. Patrikios, kouropalates, and strategos, circa 717-circa 742. PB Seal (27.5mm, 17.97 g, 12h). ΘEOTOKE BOHΘEI in the form of a cruciform monogram; Tω Δ(OV)/Λω C(OV) in quarters, APTAVA/ CΔω ΠATPI/ KIω K(OV)PAΠ/ AΛATH SC/ TPATHΓ´ in five lines; cross flanked by palm fronds above, Cf. BLS 1743 (for similar as patrikios and strategos) and 1742c (for similar as patrikios and kouropalates). Tan and earthen patina. Good VF. Very rare and nicely complete. A wonderful seal of Artavasdus before his accession to the throne. Known from examples in various stages of Artavasdus' career, this seal features the future emperor in his first three offices: strategos (of the Armeniakoi), patrikios, and kouropalates. Artavasdus was first appointed strategos of the Armenian theme by emperor Anastasius II. After Theodosius III usurped Anastasius, Artavasdus sided with and aided Leo III in his revolt against Theodosius. In exchange for his loyalty, Artavasdus was granted the honorific title kouropalates (master of the palace) and given Leo's daughter Anna in marriage. The overthrow of Theodosius occurred in July 717. Shortly thereafter Artavasdus gained the title kouropalates, the final office chronologically that appears on this seal. Consequently, the early date of this seal can be dated to mid 717. Artavasdus continued to hold these three titles until he successfully, albeit briefly, usurped the throne for himself from Leo's son and successor Constantine V in July 742. Artavasdus successfully ambushed and defeated Constantine's forces as they set out to campaign against the Umayyads. Following the disastrous battle, Constantine fled into exile at Amorium where he began rallying support for his cause against Artavadus. In contrast to Leo and Constantine, Artavasdus was an iconodule who restored the adoration of icons during his brief reign. Unfortunately for the iconodules, Constantine and Artavasdus would meet in battle again, this time at Sardes, where Constantine emerged victorious and Artavasdus' brief reign came to an end. Upon retaking the throne, Constantine promptly reinstated his father's iconoclast policies. This seal is an interesting example as it features Artavasdus with the first three of his offices all together. A number of seals are known with Artavasdus as either strategos and patrikios or as patrikios and kouropalates. Here, one finds all three offices cited: strategos, patrikios, and kouropalates. There are five similar seals in DOC's online Byzantine Seals Collection, but none with this composition of titles. Estimate: 750 USD |  |
