Theodosius III of Adramytium, 715-717. Solidus (Gold, 20 mm, 4.48 g, 7 h), Constantinopolis. δ NTҺЄOδOSIЧS MЧL A Facing bust of Theodosius III, wearing loros and crown, holding patriarchal cross with an X at the intersection surmounted on globe and anexikakia. Rev. VICTORIA AЧSЧ Є / CONOB Cross potent set on base and three steps. DOC 1b. MIB 1. SB 1487. Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. A lustrous and sharply struck example. Light scratch on the reverse and with a minor scuff on the reverse edge, otherwise, virtually as struck.
Theodosius III was a tax collector from Adramytium who was made emperor in 715 when the troops of his thema revolted against Anastasius II. Little is known of his reign other than that he stepped down two years later in the run-up to the great Arabian siege of Constantinople, handing over the throne to the able general Leo, who would decisively defeat the gigantic Umayyad invasion force. Theodosius, on the other hand, became a monk and the bishop of Ephesus