Leo II, with Zeno. AD 474. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.42 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 9th officina. Near EF.

CNG Feature Auction 124
Lot: 728. Estimated: $ 1 500

Roman Imperial, Gold

Sold For $ 1 900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Leo II, with Zeno. AD 474. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.42 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 9th officina. Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / Leo and Zeno seated facing on double throne, both nimbate and holding mappa; star and cross above; Θ//CONOB. RIC X 803; Depeyrot 98/1; Biaggi –. Lightly toned with some underlying luster, slightly clipped, faint graffito in margin on obverse, minor dig on reverse. Near EF.

From the CJR Collection.

Among the most pressing concerns of the aging East Roman Emperor Leo I was finding a successor. Having no son, his hope rested with his eldest daughter, Aelia Ariadne, who had married an Isaurian soldier named Zeno. The couple soon produced a son, Leo II. When the elder Leo’s health began to falter, he raised his eponymous grandson to the rank of Caesar in October AD 473, then Augustus in January AD 474. Leo I died a few days later, and the sickly seven-year-old Leo II became sole emperor. Leo’s widow Aelia Verina arranged for Leo II to appoint his own father, Zeno, co-emperor on 9 February AD 474, an arrangement that lasted until Leo II died in November of the same year. Afterwards, Zeno ruled as sole emperor. This solidus was struck during their brief joint-reign.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 124 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 19-20 September 2023. This lot is in Session Three, which will begin 20 September at 9 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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