Leo II, with Zeno. AD 474. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 18 January-17 November. EF.

CNG Feature Auction 126
Lot: 938.
Closing Date: May 29 2024 11:00 ET

The Family of Constantine Collection, Gold

Estimate: $ 1 000

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Leo II, with Zeno. AD 474. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 18 January-17 November. Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield / Leo and Zeno seated facing on double throne, both nimbate and holding mappa; star and cross above; CONOB. RIC X 803; Depeyrot 98/1; Biaggi –. Lightly toned and lustrous, light obverse die rust, mark at edge, minor deposits. EF.

From the Family of Constantine Collection, assembled with guidance by Roland Michel, Geneva. Ex Peus 376 (29 October 2003), lot 1110.

Among the most pressing concerns of the aging East Roman Emperor Leo I was finding a successor. Without a 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 126 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 28-29 May 2024. This lot is in Session Three, which will begin 29 May 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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