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Michael I Rhangabe, with Theophylactus. 811-813. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.41 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Crowned facing bust of Michael, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia / Crowned facing bust of Theophylactus, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform scepter; Є at end of legend. DOC 1b; Füeg 1.A; SB 1615. Toned with some luster, a couple minor die breaks, light scratch under tone. EF. Rare.
From the Family of Constantine Collection, assembled with guidance by Roland Michel, Geneva. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part II, Spink 144, 13 July 2000), lot 606; Numismatic Fine Arts IV (24 March 1977), lot 805; Leu 15 (4 May 1976), lot 488.
Michael I Rhangabe was one of the few nobles to survive the disaster at Pliska. Theophanes records that: “The caiopalates Michael, who escaped unharmed, received many entreaties from his friends that he should be proclaimed emperor, but did not consent because of his oath to Nikephoros and Staurakios” (Theophanes, 492). However, due to Stauracius being unfit to rule given the wound he received at Pliska, Michael succeeded his brother-in-law on 2 October 811. Unfortunately for Michael and his son Theophylactus, like their predecessors Nicephorus and Stauracius, the two emperors also suffered a disastrous defeat at the hands of the Bulgarian Khan Krum, this time at the battle of Versinikia which occurred less than two years into their reign. Following the disaster, the army proclaimed the strategos of the Anatolian theme, Leo as emperor. Michael quickly abdicated and retired to a monastery.
During his short reign, Michael notably reversed the iconoclast policies of his predecessor and recognized Charlemagne as emperor of the West in exchange for the return of Venice. The Venetians, however, simply ignored the edict which Michael was unable to enforce. Michael’s coinage in all metals is quite rare.
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 Four, which will begin 29 May at 2 PM 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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