Michael III "the Drunkard", with Theodora and Thecla (842-867 AD).. AV Solidus. Constantinople mint

Solidus with Thecla

Lot # 735

Michael III 'the Drunkard', with Theodora and Thecla (842-867 AD). AV Solidus. Constantinople mint. Obv. Bust of Theodora facing, wearing crown and loros, holding patriarchal cross on globus and cruciform sceptre. Rev. Facing bust of Michael III, beardless (on left). and half-lenght figure of Thecia (sister of Michael III) on right) both crowned; the emperor wears chlamys and holds globus cruciger with his sister and holds long patriarchal cross. D.O. 1; Sear 1686; Ratto 1840. AV. 4.34 g. 22 mm. RRR. Extremely rare and historically significant issue. Well centred and struck on broad flan. Traces of mount and repaired. Good VF.

With NGC grading tag.
Ex Goldberg 142, 2024, 560.

Surely among the most sought-after byzantine coins. Thecla was one of the sisters of the Byzantine Emperor Michael III and was proclaimed Augusta in late 830's. She become the lover of Basil I, his friend and co-Emperor. In 867, Basil I assassinated Michael III and became the sole Emperor. However, his relationship with Thecla deteriorated, especially after she began an affair with John Neatokometes. When Basil discovered this betrayal, he ordered severe punishments for both Thecla and her lover, confiscating their properties and exiling them to a convent. Thecla spent the rest of her life in the monastery of Gastria, where she died after 870.

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Starting price: € 3'500

Currently: € 3'500

Number of bids: 1

Minimum bid: € 3'700

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B.P.: 20.00%

Closing on: 2025-05-03 14:00:00 Roma time