Nomos AG
Auction 18 5 May 2019
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Leo III the "Isaurian", 717-741. (Silver, 18 mm, 3.34 g, 6 h), Constantinople, 4th officina, 717-720. ɁNd LEO - N - [P]A [MЧL] Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Leo facing, holding spear in his right hand and with a shield over his left shoulder. Rev. VICTOR[IA - AVgЧ Δ / CONOB Cross potent on base and three steps. DOC 20a. Füeg 2.2. MIB 23. SB 1511. Very rare, toned and sharp. Struck on a small and irregular flan, otherwise, extremely fine.
This coin provides us with an obverse type that harks back to the issues of Constantine IV and which must have been intended for gold solidi. In fact, it was never used for them; rather, it only appears on these very rare ceremonial pieces and on Leo's earliest bronze issues. It is highly likely that these special silver coins were used as donatives to shore up morale during the great Arab siege of the city in 717-718, and as celebratory pieces after its defeat. The distinctly military portrait of the emperor emphasizes his role as the protector of the Roman state and its people.
This coin provides us with an obverse type that harks back to the issues of Constantine IV and which must have been intended for gold solidi. In fact, it was never used for them; rather, it only appears on these very rare ceremonial pieces and on Leo's earliest bronze issues. It is highly likely that these special silver coins were used as donatives to shore up morale during the great Arab siege of the city in 717-718, and as celebratory pieces after its defeat. The distinctly military portrait of the emperor emphasizes his role as the protector of the Roman state and its people.