Leo VI the Wise, with Constantine VII, 886-912. Solidus (Subaeratus, 20 mm, 3.89 g, 6 h), a contemporary plated imitation from an irregular mint, after 912. + IhS XRS RЄX RЄςNANTIЧm Christ, nimbate, seated facing on throne, wearing tunic and pallium, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left. Rev. LЄOn ЄT CONSTAnT' AЧςς' ROm' Leo and Constantine, both crowned and wearing loros, standing facing; Leo stands on the left, holding a globus cruciger in his right hand, Constantine stands on the right, holding a globus cruciger in his left hand, both holding a patriarchal cross between them. Cf. DOC 2 and SB 1725 (for prototype). Minor breaks in plating, otherwise, about very fine.


This unusual piece was probably struck first in bronze and then dipped into molten gold, which explains the blurred outlines of the plating. One wonders whom such a contemporary forgery was meant to deceive.