Michael I Rhangabe, with Theophylactus. 811-813. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint.

Keystone Auction 6 – Session Two
Lot: 2048. Estimated: $ 7 500

Byzantine, Gold

Sold For $ 6 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Michael I Rhangabe, with Theophylactus. 811-813. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. • mIXA HL bASILЄ´, crowned facing bust of Michael, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia in left / ΘЄOFVLA CτOS ∂ЄSP´ Є, crowned facing bust of Theophylactus, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cross-tipped scepter in left. DOC 1b; Füeg 1.A; SB 1615. Obverse die break, deposits. Good VF.

A high court official, Michael Rhangabe seized power when Nicephorus I was killed in battle. Michael raised his eldest son Theophylactus as co-emperor and reversed the iconoclast policies of his predecessor. In 812 he recognized Charlemagne as emperor of the West in return for Venice returning to Byzantine control; the Venetians, however, ignored the edict. Early in 813, Michael mounted a campaign against the Bulgarians, but they routed his army. In the aftermath, Michael abdicated and named the general Leo V as his successor. Michael took monastic vows and died peaceably as a monk 30 years later. His coinage in all metals is very rare.

The final winners of all Keystone 6 lots will be determined at the online sale that will be held on 11 March 2022. Session Two will be held Friday afternoon, 11 March 2022 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.