Michael I Rhangabe, with Theophylactus. 811-813. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.39 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Superb EF.

Triton XXVI
Lot: 939. Estimated: $ 30 000

Byzantine, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 23 750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Michael I Rhangabe, with Theophylactus. 811-813. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.39 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. • mIXA HL ЬASILЄ´, crowned facing bust of Michael, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent in right hand and akakia in left / ΘЄOFVLA CτOS ∂ЄSP´, crowned facing bust of Theophylactus, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cruciform scepter in left; Є at end of legend. DOC 1b; Füeg 1.A; SB 1615. Lustrous, well struck and centered, one of the finest known. Superb EF. Very Rare.

From the Mystras Collection. Ex Nomos 3 (10 May 2011), lot 254.

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 Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.

Triton XXVI – Session Three – Lots 674-990 will be held Wednesday morning, 11 January 2023 beginning at 9:00 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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