Denomination: Gold solidus

Period: Byzantine and Macedonian dynasty

Date: 867-886AD

Origin: Constantinople mint

Condition: VF, scuff to obverse, wear to high points

Obverse: Crowned facing busts of Basil and Constantine, patriarchal cross between, legend reads bASILIOS ET COhSTAhT AVGG b

Reverse: Christ Pantokrator seated facing on throne, +IhS XPS REX REGNANTIVM *

Size and Weight: 19mm, 4.5g

References: Sear 1704

Features and Provenance: Basil I (also known as the Macedonian) was a Byzantine emperor reigning from 867 to 886. He was born a peasant but rose to prominence  within the Macedonian court, where he was given lavish riches for his services. In 866 he became co-emperor with Michael III and was acclaimed sole emperor on Michael's death - apparently having been the instigator of his assassination! Although Michael may have got his revenge, on Basil's death Leo VI took the throne who may well have been Michael's son and not Basil's. Basil had an elaborate family tree drawn up to prove he had a direct line to the throne through the Roman emperor, Constantine. He even named his son after him, and he is seen with Basil on our coin. 

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible