| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 193 | Silver | Auction date: 28 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 291 Price realized: 1,100 EUR (Approx. 1,192 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Theophilus, with Constantine and Michael II AD 829-842. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,40 g *ΘЄOFI-LOS bASILЄ Θ, draped bust of bust of Theophilus facing, with short beard, wearing crown surmounted by cross, with patriarchal cross in right hand, akakia in left / + mIXAHL-S COnStAntIn', draped facing busts of deceased father Michael II (on left), wearing short beard, and deceased son Constantine (on right), beardless, each wearing crown surmounted by cross; cross in field above. NGC graded MS Strike 5/5 Surface 2/5; brushed, clipped Sear 1653. Theophilos was Byzantine Emperor from 829 to 842, known for his opposition to icon worship. Issuing a strict ban on icon veneration in 832, reports of harsh measures against dissenters are considered possibly exaggerated. Theophilos faced conflicts with Saracens in Sicily but turned attention to a war against the Caliph of Baghdad, triggered by offering asylum to Persian refugees. Initial successes were followed by defeats, including the fall of Amorion in 838. A campaign against the Bulgarians disrupted the Via Militaris. Diplomatically, Theophilos engaged with the Emirate of Córdoba. Internally, Theophilos fought corruption, implemented impartial justice, and maintained sound finances despite expenditures. Educated in grammar, he valued music and art, fortifying Constantinople's walls and establishing a lasting hospital. Married to Theodora II, his death left their young son, Michael III, as heir. Theodora II, along with their daughter Thekla and the eunuch Theoktistos, took up regency. Theophilos' eldest son, Constantine, had died, and his youngest daughter, Maria, was married to the general Alexios Musele. Starting price: 750 EUR |  |
Match 1:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 193 | Silver | Auction date: 28 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 265 Price realized: 550 EUR (Approx. 596 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Theodosius II AD 402-450. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,40 g D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG, pearl-diadmed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif in left / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX I, Constantinopolis enthroned left, with left foot on prow, holding globus cruciger in right hand, scepter in left, star to right, CONOB in exergue. Very Fine RIC X 257; Depeyrot 81/1. Theodosius II, known as Flavius Theodosius, was a prominent Roman Emperor who reigned over the Eastern Roman Empire, which would later become the Byzantine Empire, from AD 408 to 450. His ascent to the throne was unique, as he took on the mantle of leadership at the young age of 7 following the death of his father, Emperor Arcadius. Due to his youth, Theodosius II was placed under the guardianship of various regents during the early years of his reign. What sets Theodosius II apart in history is the remarkable length of his rule, spanning over four decades. Throughout his reign, he heavily relied on the counsel and guidance of advisors and regents, especially during his formative years as a ruler. One of his most enduring contributions was the construction of the famous Theodosian Walls that fortified the city of Constantinople, the Byzantine capital. These formidable defenses played a pivotal role in safeguarding the city from numerous external threats, including barbarian invasions. Theodosius II was a devout Christian, and he actively supported the Nicene Creed, an important doctrine of Christian orthodoxy. He also played a significant role in ecclesiastical matters, such as the convocation of the Council of Ephesus in 431, aimed at addressing theological controversies of the time. His reign also saw the initiation of efforts to compile and organize Roman laws, resulting in the creation of the Theodosian Code. This legal code became a vital source of Roman law for both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, as well as for medieval Europe. In terms of relations with the Western Roman Empire, Theodosius II had a complex connection with his counterpart, Emperor Honorius. The Western Empire was grappling with internal strife and external threats, notably the Visigothic and Vandal invasions. Theodosius II provided limited assistance to Honorius, reflecting the challenges faced by both empires during this period. Theodosius II's reign came to an unfortunate end in 450 AD due to a riding accident. He was succeeded by Marcian, who was married to Theodosius II's sister Pulcheria. Theodosius II's long and relatively stable rule played a crucial role in preserving the Eastern Roman Empire during a time of considerable external pressures and internal complexities. His legacy endures through his significant contributions to law, fortifications, and the Christian tradition of the Byzantine Empire. Starting price: 200 EUR |  |
Match 2:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 193 | Silver | Auction date: 28 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 287 Price realized: 650 EUR (Approx. 704 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Heraclius with Heraclius Constantine AD 610-641. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,46 g dd NN hERACLIЧS ET hERA CONST P P AV Crowned, draped and short-bearded bust of Heraclius facing, on the left; crowned and draped bust of Heraclius Constantine facing, beardless, on the right; above, cross / VICTORIA AVGЧ Θ / CONOB Cross potent on base and three steps. Extremely Fine MIB 11; Sear 738. Heraclius, born in AD 575, was a significant Byzantine emperor who reigned from AD 610 to 641. His ascension to the throne came after a period of upheaval, including the overthrow of the previous emperor, Phocas. He inherited an empire facing numerous challenges, both internally and externally. One of the most defining aspects of his rule was the prolonged conflict with the Persian Empire, known as the Byzantine-Sassanid Wars. These wars lasted for over two decades, culminating in Heraclius's victorious entry into the Persian capital, Ctesiphon, in 628. This victory was significant not only for its territorial gains but also for the retrieval of the True Cross, a venerated relic in Christian tradition. Heraclius also attempted to address the religious divisions within the empire, particularly the contentious Monophysite controversy. He sought to reconcile the differing Christian factions to bring about unity. His reign coincided with the rise of Islam, as the Prophet Muhammad began preaching in the Arabian Peninsula. This emergence of Islam would have far-reaching consequences, leading to the Arab-Byzantine Wars and a transformation of the Byzantine Empire's political landscape. Heraclius's later years were marked by health problems and governance challenges. He passed away in 641, leaving the throne to his sons. His rule remains a pivotal period in Byzantine history, marked by significant victories, religious reconciliation efforts, and the emergence of Islam as a geopolitical force. Starting price: 300 EUR |  |
Match 3:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 188 | Black | Auction date: 17 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 70 Price realized: 550 EUR (Approx. 605 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Theodosius II AD 402-450. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,44 g D N THEODOSIVS•P•F•AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / IMP•XXXXII•COS•XVII•P•P•, Constantinopolis seated to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre, foot on prow, shield by throne; star in left field, COMOB in exergue. very fine RIC X 300; Depeyrot 84/1. Theodosius II, known as Flavius Theodosius, was a prominent Roman Emperor who reigned over the Eastern Roman Empire, which would later become the Byzantine Empire, from AD 408 to 450. His ascent to the throne was unique, as he took on the mantle of leadership at the young age of 7 following the death of his father, Emperor Arcadius. Due to his youth, Theodosius II was placed under the guardianship of various regents during the early years of his reign. What sets Theodosius II apart in history is the remarkable length of his rule, spanning over four decades. Throughout his reign, he heavily relied on the counsel and guidance of advisors and regents, especially during his formative years as a ruler. One of his most enduring contributions was the construction of the famous Theodosian Walls that fortified the city of Constantinople, the Byzantine capital. These formidable defenses played a pivotal role in safeguarding the city from numerous external threats, including barbarian invasions. Theodosius II was a devout Christian, and he actively supported the Nicene Creed, an important doctrine of Christian orthodoxy. He also played a significant role in ecclesiastical matters, such as the convocation of the Council of Ephesus in 431, aimed at addressing theological controversies of the time. His reign also saw the initiation of efforts to compile and organize Roman laws, resulting in the creation of the Theodosian Code. This legal code became a vital source of Roman law for both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, as well as for medieval Europe. In terms of relations with the Western Roman Empire, Theodosius II had a complex connection with his counterpart, Emperor Honorius. The Western Empire was grappling with internal strife and external threats, notably the Visigothic and Vandal invasions. Theodosius II provided limited assistance to Honorius, reflecting the challenges faced by both empires during this period. Theodosius II's reign came to an unfortunate end in 450 AD due to a riding accident. He was succeeded by Marcian, who was married to Theodosius II's sister Pulcheria. Theodosius II's long and relatively stable rule played a crucial role in preserving the Eastern Roman Empire during a time of considerable external pressures and internal complexities. His legacy endures through his significant contributions to law, fortifications, and the Christian tradition of the Byzantine Empire. Starting price: 1 EUR |  |
Match 4:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 188 | Black | Auction date: 17 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 71 Price realized: 360 EUR (Approx. 396 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Theodosius II AD 402-450. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,39 g D N THEO-DOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust of Theodosius facing, holding spear over his right shoulder and with shield, ornamented with a horseman spearing a fallen foe, over his left / CONCORDI-A AVGG Θ/ CONOB, Constantinopolis seated facing on throne, her head turned to right, wearing helmet, holding a spear in her right hand, Victory on a globus in her left, and with her right foot on a prow; in field to left, star. very fine Depeyrot 73/2; RIC 202. Starting price: 1 EUR |  |
Match 5:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 198 | Silver | Auction date: 25 February 2024 |
| Lot number: 293 Price realized: 400 EUR (Approx. 432 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Theodosius II AD 402-450. Constantinople Solidus AV 21 mm, 4,36 g D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX Z, Constantinopolis seated to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre, foot on prow, shield by throne; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. Very Fine RIC X 257; Depeyrot 81/1. Theodosius II, known as Flavius Theodosius, was a prominent Roman Emperor who reigned over the Eastern Roman Empire, which would later become the Byzantine Empire, from 408 to 450 AD. His ascent to the throne was unique, as he took on the mantle of leadership at the young age of 7 following the death of his father, Emperor Arcadius. Due to his youth, Theodosius II was placed under the guardianship of various regents during the early years of his reign. What sets Theodosius II apart in history is the remarkable length of his rule, spanning over four decades. Throughout his reign, he heavily relied on the counsel and guidance of advisors and regents, especially during his formative years as a ruler. One of his most enduring contributions was the construction of the famous Theodosian Walls that fortified the city of Constantinople, the Byzantine capital. These formidable defenses played a pivotal role in safeguarding the city from numerous external threats, including barbarian invasions. Theodosius II was a devout Christian, and he actively supported the Nicene Creed, an important doctrine of Christian orthodoxy. He also played a significant role in ecclesiastical matters, such as the convocation of the Council of Ephesus in 431, aimed at addressing theological controversies of the time. His reign also saw the initiation of efforts to compile and organize Roman laws, resulting in the creation of the Theodosian Code. This legal code became a vital source of Roman law for both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, as well as for medieval Europe. In terms of relations with the Western Roman Empire, Theodosius II had a complex connection with his counterpart, Emperor Honorius. The Western Empire was grappling with internal strife and external threats, notably the Visigothic and Vandal invasions. Theodosius II provided limited assistance to Honorius, reflecting the challenges faced by both empires during this period. Theodosius II's reign came to an unfortunate end in 450 AD due to a riding accident. He was succeeded by Marcian, who was married to Theodosius II's sister Pulcheria. Theodosius II's long and relatively stable rule played a crucial role in preserving the Eastern Roman Empire during a time of considerable external pressures and internal complexities. His legacy endures through his significant contributions to law, fortifications, and the Christian tradition of the Byzantine Empire. Starting price: 200 EUR |  |
