Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 123 23-24 May 2023
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Alexander. 912-913. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.43 g, 5h). Constantinople mint. + IҺSXRS RЄX RЄςҺAҺτIЧm, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left / + ALЄXAҺd ROS AЧϥЧSτOS ROm´, crowned figure of Alexander standing facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand, being crowned by St. Alexander, to right, holding cross in left hand. DOC 2; Füeg 2.A; SB 1737. In NGC encapsulation 6558873-001, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, edge marks. Very rare.
From the Gasvoda Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, August 2019.
Alexander, the third son of Basil I, was co-emperor throughout his brother Leo VI's reign, although he took no part in actual governing. Upon Leo's death, he succeeded to the position of senior emperor, ruling alongside Leo VI's young son Constantine VII. Byzantine sources are unanimous in proclaiming Alexander a self-indulgent drunkard, feckless and unfit to rule. He dismissed nearly all of Leo's ministers and generals, whose diplomatic skills had kept the empire relatively stable and prosperous for the previous 25 years. He also broke a peace treaty with Bulgaria by refusing to pay tribute upon his accession, prompting a long and destructive war. He was spared witnessing the consequences of his folly, however, contracting a stomach ailment and dying after only a year and a month as senior ruler. His extremely rare gold solidi bear the only numismatic depiction of a Saint Alexander, who is shown crowning the emperor on the reverse. This probably represents Alexander of Constantinople, the first archbishop of that city, who lived in the time of Constantine the Great.
From the Gasvoda Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, August 2019.
Alexander, the third son of Basil I, was co-emperor throughout his brother Leo VI's reign, although he took no part in actual governing. Upon Leo's death, he succeeded to the position of senior emperor, ruling alongside Leo VI's young son Constantine VII. Byzantine sources are unanimous in proclaiming Alexander a self-indulgent drunkard, feckless and unfit to rule. He dismissed nearly all of Leo's ministers and generals, whose diplomatic skills had kept the empire relatively stable and prosperous for the previous 25 years. He also broke a peace treaty with Bulgaria by refusing to pay tribute upon his accession, prompting a long and destructive war. He was spared witnessing the consequences of his folly, however, contracting a stomach ailment and dying after only a year and a month as senior ruler. His extremely rare gold solidi bear the only numismatic depiction of a Saint Alexander, who is shown crowning the emperor on the reverse. This probably represents Alexander of Constantinople, the first archbishop of that city, who lived in the time of Constantine the Great.