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Leo II, with Zeno. AD 474. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.35 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 18 January-17 November. Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield / Leo and Zeno seated facing on double throne, both nimbate and holding mappa; star and cross above; CONOB. RIC X 803; Depeyrot 98/1; Biaggi –. Toned with some luster, lightly clipped, light deposits, punchmark on reverse. EF.
From the Wayne Scheible Collection.
Leo II’s grandfather and namesake Leo I was not expected to produce an imperial dynasty. In fact, his appointment and expected tenure as emperor which came about through the covert maneuvering of the powerful magister militum and patrician, Aspar, was likely intended to be short. Aspar may well have placed Leo I on the throne in order to bide his time in solidifying his own imperial dynastic ambitions. Writing on Leo I’s appointment, Crawford noted that “such a combination of poor lineage, obscurity, age and close connections to Aspar makes it seem that Leo meant as a place-holder, elevated to allow Aspar to pave the way for the accession of his own family” (Crawford, 45). However, Leo proved to be more strong-willed than Aspar bargained for. Leo I and his wife harbored dynastic ambitions, and managed to produce a son. This potential heir, however, soon died in infancy. Leo I’s daughter, Aelia Ariadne, consequently became an extremely important factor in the imperial succession. Leo was first persuaded to betroth Ariadne to Aspar’s second son Patricius. However, Leo later reneged on the betrothal and instead married her to an Isaurian soldier named Zeno, who had brought about the downfall of Aspar’s eldest son Ardaburius on accusations of treason. Aspar lost control of his puppet and was ultimately eliminated.
If the new Leonid dynasty was to endure, Leo I would need a viable heir. Ariadne and Zeno soon produced a son, Leo II, who became Leo I’s presumptive successor. When the elder Leo’s health began to falter, he raised his eponymous grandson to the rank of Caesar in October AD 473, then Augustus in January AD 474. Leo I died a few days later, and the sickly seven-year-old Leo II became sole emperor. Leo’s widow Aelia Verina arranged for Leo II to appoint his own father, Zeno, co-emperor on 9 February AD 474, an arrangement that lasted until Leo II died in November of the same year. Afterwards, Zeno ruled as sole emperor. This solidus was struck during their brief joint-reign.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 127 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 17-18 September 2024. This lot is in Session Three, which will begin 18 September at 9 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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