Zoe as Regent

Sale: Triton X, Lot: 856. Estimate $20000.  Closing Date: Monday, 8 January 2007.  Sold For $29000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, with Zoe. 913-959. AV Solidus (4.40 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 914-919. +IhS XPS REX REGNANTIM*, Christ, nimbate, seated facing on wide lyre-backed throne, raising right hand in blessing; book of the Gospels resting on left knee / COnStAnt’ CE ZWH En Xw b’ R’, crowned half-length facing busts of Constantine VII, wearing chlamys, and Zoe, wearing loros, Zoe’s crown with pendilia, holding between them a long patriarchal cross. DOC III 2; SB 1740. EF. Extremely rare.

Constantine VII, author of the "Book of Ceremonies" and renowned artist, died at age 54 of suspected poisoning. Though well regarded for his learning and benevolence, he is not noted for any political achievements. His reign was dominated by regents until he was finally able to seize control for himself in 945. This coin was struck during the short period while his mother, the powerful Zoë, was acting as regent.