Sale: Triton V, Lot: 2290. Estimate $17500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 16 January 2002.  Sold For $14000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ARTAVASDUS. 742-743 AD. AV Solidus (4.47 gm). G APTAUA-SDOS MULT, crowned facing bust of Artavasdus, holding patriarchal cross / G NIChFOR-US MULTU A, crowned facing bust of Nicephorus, holding patriarchal cross. DOC III 2; BN 1; SB 1542. Good VF, light scratches in fields. Extremely rare. ($17,500)

Artavasdus was Leo's son-in-law and partner in the overthrow of Theodosius III, who rebelled on Constantine V's accesion as sole ruler. He restored the worship of images which was well received. His reign was cut short after his defeat in battle by Constantine, who had fled to Asia Minor when Theodosius was overthrown.