Theophilos solidus

Orfew

So I got an email from H J Berk regarding some newly released "Byzantine" (for the sake of those who do not like "Romaion") coins. I scrolled down the list and found this one for a price I could not resist. I simply loved the look of this coin. The obverse features Theophilos, while the reverse depicts his father Michael and Son Constantine.

Theophilos was quite interesting. Besides fighting wars with the Arabs on 2 fronts, he was also the last of the iconoclastic emperors. According to wikipedia he also strengthened the walls surrounding Constantinople and built a hospital.

The coin is not perfect. It is described as VF and it has a slight bend. That is okay with me, it is after all over 1100 years old.
It was the portraits that attracted me to this coin.

Theophilus (AD 829-842), with Constantine and Michael II. AV solidus 4.38 gm Constantinople,
Obv: ΘЄOFI-LOS bASILЄ Θ,
Rev: MIXAHL S COhSTAhTIN', Sear 1653.

TomB

It's gorgeous! The portraits and lettering are well-centered and well-done and the strike is fantastic. I love it.

Orfew

@TomB
Thanks very much for the kind words. I loved it as soon as I saw it and I knew I had to have it.

yosclimber

The eye style is quite different from other coins - pretty cool.

lordmarcovan

What TomB said.

It ain't gem Mint State? Who cares. That's a very handsome piece with nice subtle toning and an overall handsome look, in a very collectible grade.

WillieBoyd2

Nice old coin with an interesting two-barred Patriarchal cross which I first thought was an early Cross of Lorraine (it isn't).