Alexander. 912-913. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.36 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. NGC Photo Certificate 4375568-004, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.

CNG Feature Auction 133
Lot: 706. Estimated: $ 10 000

Byzantine, Gold

Sold For $ 30 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Alexander. 912-913. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.36 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing on suppedion, nimbate, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels / Crowned facing figure of Alexander, wearing loros decorated with a cross at end and holding globus cruciger, being crowned by St. Alexander, to right, holding cross. DOC 2; Füeg 2.A; SB 1737. Toned. NGC Photo Certificate 4375568-004, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare.

From the Best Collection of Byzantine Coins. Ex Goldberg 120 (2 February 2021), lot 1193; William Oldknow Collection.

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. Contemporary sources are unanimous in proclaiming Alexander a self-indulgent drunkard, feckless and unfit to rule. In contrast to his brother Leo VI deemed “the wise,” Alexander was anything but. He dismissed nearly all of Leo’s ministers and generals, whose diplomatic skills had kept the empire relatively stable and prosperous for the previous twenty-five years. He additionally broke a peace treaty with the Bulgarians by refusing to pay tribute upon his accession which prompted a long and destructive war. Alexander also reportedly considered having his nephew (and prospective successor) Constantine castrated in order to end his line out of spite. Ultimately, Alexander was spared witnessing the consequences of his foolish decisions after he reportedly either contracted a stomach ailment or suffered internal bleeding from an injury during a ball game. He died after only a year and a month as senior ruler before he could do further damage to the empire. In his final act of disdain for his successor, Alexander set up a regency council on his deathbed in order to hamper the new ruler Constantine VII. Constantine’s mother Zoe was notably excluded from this first regency.

Despite Alexander’s notorious career as emperor, his very rare gold solidi are notable, however, for featuring a new reverse type for Byzantine coinage. This solidus features Saint Alexander, who is shown crowning the emperor on the reverse. This likely represents Alexander of Constantinople, the first archbishop of the city, who lived during the time of Constantine the Great. The reverse type of the emperor being crowned by a saint (often a namesake) would be adopted in future reigns. Additionally, this series of solidi was the first to feature a saint other than the Theotokos on Byzantine coinage.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 133 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 15-16 September 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 133 – Session Three – Lot 595-896 will be held Wednesday morning, 16 September 2026 beginning at 9:00 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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