CNG 85, Lot: 78. Estimate $1500. Sold for $4001. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Leo V the Armenian, with Constantine. 813-820. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. LЄ On ЬASILЄЧ’, crowned and draped half-length bust of Leo facing, holding cross potent and akakia; pellet to left / COnSτ Anτ’ ∂ЄSP’ X (X recut over Є), crowned and draped half-length bust of Constantine facing, holding globus cruciger and akakia. DOC 2b.2; SB 1627. EF.

From the R.A. Collection. Ex Leu 77 (11 May 2000), lot 856.

During the early-mid Byzintine period, the reknown of Armenians as soldiers and generals brought them to high positions in the army and even to the throne. Armenian troops played a vital role in Maurice Tiberius’ campaigns against the Persians, which resulted in Khusru II’s taking of the Sassanian throne along with Byzantine assistance. If Phocas had not murdered Maurice in 602, a prolonged peace settlement may have ensued. As it was, Hercalius, who had murdered Phocas in 610, faced the greatest Persian threat of all in 618, with the Armenian generals on his staff being instrumental in turning back the invaders, culminating in the most decisive victory in the long Romano-Persian conflict.

Leo V, the one emperor known for certain to be of Armenian descent, was a commander of Byzantine forces during Michael I Rangabes’ rout at Versinikia which led to the latter’s acclamation as emperor. Leo himself became emperor following the desertion of Michael’s troops after their defeat by the Bulgarians two years later in 813. Leo’s reign was characterized not by military activity, but by religious controversy brought on by his vehement views, initiating the second period of Byzantine Iconoclasm. His opponents committed the ultimate sacrilegious act by assassinating him in Hagia Sophia on Christmas Day, 820.