Michael I Rhangabe, with Theophylactus. 811-813. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.44 g, 6h). Constantinople mint.

CNG Feature Auction 120
Lot: 1005. Estimated: $ 7 500

Byzantine, Gold

Sold For $ 18 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Go to Live

Michael I Rhangabe, with Theophylactus. 811-813. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.44 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Crowned and draped facing bust of Michael, holding globus cruciger and akakia / crowned facing bust of Theophylactus, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cross-tipped scepter; Є at end of legend. DOC 1b; Füeg 1.A; SB 1615. Lustrous, hairline die break on reverse. Good VF.

A high court official, Michael Rhangabe seized power when Nicephorus I was killed in battle. Michael raised his eldest son Theophylactus as co-emperor and reversed the iconoclast policies of his predecessor. In 812 he recognized Charlemagne as emperor of the West in return for Venice returning to Byzantine control; the Venetians, however, ignored the edict. Early in 813, Michael mounted a campaign against the Bulgarians, but they routed his army. In the aftermath, Michael abdicated and named the general Leo V as his successor. Michael took monastic vows and died peaceably as a monk 30 years later. His coinage in all metals is very rare.

The final winners of all CNG 120 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 11-12 May 2022. CNG 120 – Session Three – Roman Republican and Imperatorial Coinage through Early Medieval and Islamic Coinage will be held Thursday morning, 12 May 2022 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.

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