Lot 4973

Description

Theophilus, with Constantine. (A.D. 829-842), AE Follis (3.774 grams), Syracuse mint, Struck c.830/1-842, obv. **Q*EOFILOS bAS, crowned facing bust of Theophilus, wearing loros and holding cross potent, rev. [MIX]AHL [S CONST], crowned facing busts of Michael II, bearded, and Constantine, beardless, both wearing crown and chlamys; star between. (S.1680, DOC III 29b, T.42, R.1835). Very fine with dark green patina.

Constantine, the elder son and heir of Theophilus, had died in 831 AD, but the great quantities of the folles struck with his portrait, and a distinct reduction in their size and weight suggests this was a memorial issue for the father and son of Theophilus, and was struck throughout his reign.