| Classical Numismatic Group > Auction 126 | Auction date: 28 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 938 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Leo II, with Zeno. AD 474. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 18 January-17 November. Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield / Leo and Zeno seated facing on double throne, both nimbate and holding mappa; star and cross above; CONOB. RIC X 803; Depeyrot 98/1; Biaggi –. Lightly toned and lustrous, light obverse die rust, mark at edge, minor deposits. EF. From the Family of Constantine Collection, assembled with guidance by Roland Michel, Geneva. Ex Peus 376 (29 October 2003), lot 1110. Among the most pressing concerns of the aging East Roman Emperor Leo I was finding a successor. Without a son, his hope rested with his eldest daughter, Aelia Ariadne, who had married an Isaurian soldier named Zeno. The couple soon produced a son, Leo II. When the elder Leo's health began to falter, he raised his eponymous grandson to the rank of Caesar in October AD 473, then Augustus in January AD 474. Leo I died a few days later, and the sickly seven-year-old Leo II became sole emperor. Leo's widow Aelia Verina arranged for Leo II to appoint his own father, Zeno, co-emperor on 9 February AD 474, an arrangement that lasted until Leo II died in November of the same year. Afterwards, Zeno ruled as sole emperor. This solidus was struck during their brief joint-reign. Estimate: 1000 USD |  |
