Basil I the Macedonian, with Constantine. 867-886. Æ (13x13mm, 4.27 g, 6h). Good VF.

Electronic Auction 611
Lot: 1128. Estimated: $ 100

Byzantine, Bronze

Sold For $ 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Basil I the Macedonian, with Constantine. 867-886. Æ (13x13mm, 4.27 g, 6h). Nimbate facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels / Crowned facing half-length busts of Basil, wearing loros, and Constantine, wearing chlamys, together holding labarum between them. See Classical Numismatic Group 69 (8 June 2005), lot 1866 for a similar example. Dark green patina with some red, a few cuts on reverse. Good VF.

This interesting piece has the Christ Pantokrator obverse bust type of Michael III but with a reverse of his successor Basil I, with Constantine. The similar CNG 69 example had complete enough legends to read the names of Basil I, with Constantine making it clear that this curiosity belongs to their reign. In the CNG 69 sale it was suggested that this type could, since it is without a clear prototype, be an abandoned solidus pattern off-strike. Perhaps due to Basil wanting to distinguish his coinage from his predecessor whom he callously eliminated. Alternatively, these two extremely rare examples could be nomisma weights due to their 4.16 g and 4.27 g respective weights. Why such rare weights were made with an otherwise unused set of finely engraved dies is presently open to interpretation. Ultimately, this item appears of be related to various rare bronze pieces of uncertain function struck at the Constantinople mint.

Closing Date and Time: 17 June 2026 at 16:15:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.