Lot 3103

Description

Nicephorus I and Stauracius, (802-811), gold solidus, (4.388 grams), Constantinople mint, issued 803-811, obv. facing bust of short beard of Nicephorus I wearing crown and chlamys, holding cross potent, on base, around pellet and [NI]CI FOR[OS] bASILE', rev. Stauracius bust facing beardless wearing crown with cross and chlamys, holding cross on globe, around STAVRA CISdESPO' X/E, (S.1604 [£900 EF], DOC 2c/2a, cf.BMC 4-5, To.7-9, R.1783). Weak on obverse at edge, otherwise good very fine and rare.

Nicephorus came to power as a result of the palace revolution that removed the Empress Irene. He made his son Stauracius co-emperor.