Lot 3224

Description

Nicephorus I and Stauracius, (802-811), gold solidus, (4.44 g), 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 NICI FOROS bASILE', rev. Stauracius bust facing beardless wearing crown with cross and chlamys, holding cross on globe, around STAVRA CIS dESPOIE, (S.1604 [£900 EF], DOC 2a, cf.BMC 4-5, To.7-9, R.1783, Fueg 2.ZB.2). Double struck on legend on reverse, otherwise extremely 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.