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Basiliscus. AD 475-476. AV Tremissis (13.5mm, 1.44 g, 6h). Mediolanum (Milan) mint. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Latin cross pattée within wreath; large central jewel above; COMOB. RIC X 3314; Ulrich-Bansa, Moneta 173; Toffanin 543/1 corr. (obv. legend); Lacam 13; Depeyrot 43/5 var. (obv. legend); DOCLR 873; Biaggi –. Toned, trace deposits. VF. Rare.
From the Conti Collection. Ex Edward J. Waddell inventory 17846 (ND); Waddell FPL 64 (1994), no. 13.
Basiliscus was the brother of the East Roman Empress Verina, wife of Leo I. In 468, Leo put him in command of an immense task force sent to recover North Africa from the Vandals. The entire costly enterprise came to grief when the Vandals set fire to the fleet while at anchorage, a disaster partly caused by the failure of Basiliscus to take basic precautions. Probably due to Verina's influence, Basiliscus escaped consequences for the debacle. Upon the death of Leo in AD 474, Verina tried to arrange affairs so she could rule the Empire through her son-in-law Zeno and her infant grandson Leo II. When the boy died and Zeno began to take charge of affairs on his own, Verina hatched another scheme to put her lover, Patricius, on the throne with the help of Basiliscus, who controlled the city garrison. Zeno was induced to flee Constantinople, and Basiliscus seized the throne for himself and enraged his powerful sister by executing Patricius. But Basiliscus proved to be as hapless as emperor as he was as general. After 20 chaotic months, Zeno reentered the capital in August, 476 and deposed Basiliscus in a bloodless coup. Basiliscus and his family were exiled to Cappadocia and starved to death, fulfilling Zeno's promise not to "shed their blood." The anarchy which gripped the Eastern Empire throughout AD 475-476 prevented it from intervening in Western affairs.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 121 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 6-8 October 2022. This lot is in Session Four, which will begin 7 October 2022 at 2 PM 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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