The Byzantine Empire (695–698 AD) Leontius AV Solidus NGC MS 4/3 is a rare and historically significant gold coin struck during the brief reign of Emperor Leontius, reflecting the tumultuous political climate of the late 7th century. Before becoming ruler, Leontius was a ranking warrior who led forces against the Umayyads under Justinian II, securing victory. Justinian launched a second military campaign against the Umayyads, sending Leontius to lead forces again, this time to be defeated. Leontius was imprisoned following the defeat in 692 and released in 695. This same year, Leontius led a rebellion against Justinian and successfully siezed power, ruling as emperor until 697 when he was overthrown by Apsimar. Eventually, the throne was retaken by Justinian who ordered the execution of Leontios. The obverse of this stunning Solidus features a bust of a bearded Leontius wearing imperial regalia, a jeweled cross topped crown and holding a cross topped globus. Exceptional strike and detail. The reverse features the typical cross potent atop three steps. Incredible mint state example of this scarce type, with a strong strike and great centering. Much scarcer than most Byzantine gold and worthy of the advanced collector.
The Byzantine Empire (695–698 AD) Leontius AV Solidus NGC MS 4/3 is a rare and historically significant gold coin struck during the brief reign of Emperor Leontius, reflecting the tumultuous political climate of the late 7th century. Before becoming ruler, Leontius was a ranking warrior who led forces against the Umayyads under Justinian II, securing victory. Justinian launched a second military campaign against the Umayyads, sending Leontius to lead forces again, this time to be defeated. Leontius was imprisoned following the defeat in 692 and released in 695. This same year, Leontius led a rebellion against Justinian and successfully siezed power, ruling as emperor until 697 when he was overthrown by Apsimar. Eventually, the throne was retaken by Justinian who ordered the execution of Leontios. The obverse of this stunning Solidus features a bust of a bearded Leontius wearing imperial regalia, a jeweled cross topped crown and holding a cross topped globus. Exceptional strike and detail. The reverse features the typical cross potent atop three steps. Incredible mint state example of this scarce type, with a strong strike and great centering. Much scarcer than most Byzantine gold and worthy of the advanced collector.
