Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature Sale 3066 17 Aug 2018
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Theophilus (AD 829-842). AV semissis (12mm, 1.86 gm, 6h). NGC Gem MS ★ 5/5 - 5/5. Syracuse, AD 831-842. ΘЄO-FIΛOS, bust of Theophilus facing, bearded, wearing loros and crown surmounted by cross, globus cruciger in right hand / ΘЄO-FIΛOS, bust of Theophilus facing, bearded, wearing chlamys and crown surmounted by cross, globus cruciger in right hand. Sear 1674. DOC 26c. An absolutely unimprovable sparkling jewel with proof-like surfaces.
Second emperor of the Amorian dynasty, Theophilus was carefully educated by his father Michael II and acquired a taste for scholarship. An admirer of Arab culture, he sent a magnificent embassy to the Caliph of Baghdad, which was graciously received. Nonetheless, the Arabs launched raids into Byzantine territory throughout the reign, one of which destroyed the emperor's hometown of Amorium in 838. Theophilus sought to revive learning within the Empire and brought scholars to Constantinople who would later establish the university under his successor. A fervent iconoclast, he was the last emperor to persecute those who venerated sacred images. Nevertheless, he was a careful and judicious ruler whose administrative reforms strengthened the state. Upon his death in AD 842, power passed to his wife Theodora as regent for his infant son Michael III; she soon ended the persecution and effectively closed the divisive iconoclastic era.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 5000-6000 USD
Theophilus (AD 829-842). AV semissis (12mm, 1.86 gm, 6h). NGC Gem MS ★ 5/5 - 5/5. Syracuse, AD 831-842. ΘЄO-FIΛOS, bust of Theophilus facing, bearded, wearing loros and crown surmounted by cross, globus cruciger in right hand / ΘЄO-FIΛOS, bust of Theophilus facing, bearded, wearing chlamys and crown surmounted by cross, globus cruciger in right hand. Sear 1674. DOC 26c. An absolutely unimprovable sparkling jewel with proof-like surfaces.
Second emperor of the Amorian dynasty, Theophilus was carefully educated by his father Michael II and acquired a taste for scholarship. An admirer of Arab culture, he sent a magnificent embassy to the Caliph of Baghdad, which was graciously received. Nonetheless, the Arabs launched raids into Byzantine territory throughout the reign, one of which destroyed the emperor's hometown of Amorium in 838. Theophilus sought to revive learning within the Empire and brought scholars to Constantinople who would later establish the university under his successor. A fervent iconoclast, he was the last emperor to persecute those who venerated sacred images. Nevertheless, he was a careful and judicious ruler whose administrative reforms strengthened the state. Upon his death in AD 842, power passed to his wife Theodora as regent for his infant son Michael III; she soon ended the persecution and effectively closed the divisive iconoclastic era.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 5000-6000 USD