Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXIV 19-20 Jan 2021
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Artavasdus, with Nicephorus. 741/2-743. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 741. b ARτAЧA SDOS MЧLτ, crowned bearded bust of Artavasdus facing, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent / C NICh(inverted F)ORЧS MЧLτЧ , crowned beardless bust of Nicephorus facing, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent; A at end of legend. DOC 2; Füeg 2.A; SB 1541. Struck with worn dies, a few light marks, traces of underlying luster. EF. Extremely rare. One of the classic Byzantine rarities.
Artavasdus was the son-in-law of Leo III. After Leo's death in 741, Artavasdus seized the throne in opposition to Leo's young son, Constantine V. He managed to capture Constantinople, where he restored the worship of icons. But Constantine rallied the army to his cause and defeated Artavasdus in a number of battles. After a few months, Artavasdus and his son Nicephorus were cornered, imprisoned and blinded. His coinage was recalled and melted down, accounting for the great rarity of his solidi today.
Artavasdus was the son-in-law of Leo III. After Leo's death in 741, Artavasdus seized the throne in opposition to Leo's young son, Constantine V. He managed to capture Constantinople, where he restored the worship of icons. But Constantine rallied the army to his cause and defeated Artavasdus in a number of battles. After a few months, Artavasdus and his son Nicephorus were cornered, imprisoned and blinded. His coinage was recalled and melted down, accounting for the great rarity of his solidi today.