1462. MICHAEL III,  with Theodora as Regent. 842-843. AV Solidus (4.32 gm).
Crowned  bust  of  Theodora, wearing  loros,  holding  globus cruciger  and
sceptre / Three-quarter length figures of Michael, holding globus cruciger,
and his  sister Thecla, holding patriarchal cross  and akakia. DOC III 1a2;
SB 1686. VF, tiny edge scrapes. ($3500)

Solidi of this type are known overstruck on those of earlier emperors, but
this coin was overstruck on a brockage!

Michael was a child of two years when his father Theophilus died in 842.
His mother Theodora was effective ruler of the empire, and the first
coinage of his reign gives her prominence of position. Michael was
generally kept in the background. In a typical example of Byzantine family
intrigue, Bardas, brother of Theodora, conspired with the young emperor in
856 to remove the regent. Conspiracies continued to brew, and in 865 Bardas
was murdered by Basil, an ambitious courtier who soon became co-emperor and
eliminated Michael shortly thereafter.

Although Michael was termed the "Drunkard", this smear on his name was
perpetuated by Basil to justify his seizure of power. Michael appears as a
conscientious ruler and able military leader; his only (fatal) failing was
that he was too easily swayed by unscrupulous associates.


CNG Mail bid sale #58, 18 Sept 2001, lot 1462.
 
 Lot sold for $3500.


Used by permission of CNG, www.historicalcoins.com