| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Herakles Auction 2 | Auction date: 3 March 2025 |
| Lot number: 143 Price realized: 850 EUR (Approx. 884 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Byzantine Basil I the Macedonian, with Constantine AD 867-886. Constantinople Solidus AV 20 mm, 4,46 g + IhS XPS REX REGNANTIЧM *, Christ, nimbate, seated facing on lyre-backed throne, wearing tunic and himation, raising right hand in blessing and holding Book of Gospels in left / BASILIOS ET COnStAnt AЧGGb', facing busts of Basil on left, bearded, wearing crown and loros and Constantine on right, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys; both holding patriarchal cross between them. Good Very Fine Sear 1704; Ratto 1858; DOC 2b; MIB 1. Ex Auction Spink & Son Ltd, London / Galerie des Monnaies SA, Genève, London, 10. October 1977, Lot 751. Basil I, known as Basil the Macedonian, was Byzantine emperor from AD 867 to 886 and the founder of the Macedonian dynasty, which ruled the Byzantine Empire for nearly two centuries. His rise to power is one of the most remarkable in Byzantine history, as he ascended from humble beginnings to become emperor. Born around AD 811 in the theme of Macedonia, Basil was of peasant or possibly Armenian descent. His early life involved hard labor, but through his physical strength and intelligence, he gained the favor of influential figures at court, including Emperor Michael III. Basil became a trusted companion of Michael III and eventually married Eudokia Ingerina, the emperor's mistress, strengthening his position at court. In AD 866, Michael III declared Basil co-emperor. However, their relationship deteriorated, and in AD 867, Basil orchestrated Michael's assassination, becoming sole emperor. As emperor, Basil I focused on strengthening the empire internally and externally. He implemented significant legal reforms by initiating a revision of Justinian's legal code, resulting in the Basilika, a major legal compilation that systematized and updated Byzantine law. His reign was marked by efforts to curb corruption and restore imperial authority over the provinces. Basil also actively supported the Orthodox Church, aligning with Patriarch Photius and reinforcing religious unity within the empire. Militarily, Basil I achieved notable successes. He secured the empire's frontiers, particularly against Arab forces. His naval campaigns helped defend Byzantine territories in the Mediterranean, and his efforts against the Paulician heretics in Asia Minor strengthened internal security. Basil I ruled alongside his son, Constantine, who was crowned co-emperor but had little influence due to his young age. Constantine died in AD 879, leaving Basil's second son, Leo VI, as his heir. Basil reportedly had a strained relationship with Leo, partly due to rumors that Leo was actually the biological son of Michael III. In terms of coinage, Basil I's coins often depicted Christ on the obverse, symbolizing divine legitimacy, while the reverse showed Basil and Constantine together, emphasizing dynastic continuity. This imagery reinforced the legitimacy of his rule and the unity of the imperial family. Basil I died in AD 886, reportedly from a hunting accident, and was succeeded by Leo VI. His reign laid the foundation for the Macedonian Renaissance, a period of military strength, legal reform, and cultural revival, securing his legacy as one of Byzantium's most effective rulers. Starting price: 700 EUR |  |
