Lot 158
Byzantine Empire. Anastasius II, Artemius, 713-715 AD. Gold Solidus (4.46 g), Constantinople, struck 713-715 AD. Crowned bust of Anastasius facing, in short beard, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger and akakia. Reverse: Cross potent on three steps; officina theta. D.O.C. 2h.1; MIB 2; Ratto 1718-21; SBC 1463; Fr-152. Modest edge bump at obverse 11 o'clock and some light hairlines on reverse fields, otherwise sharply struck and highly lustrous. Rare. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Following the downfall of his little-loved and ineffective predecessor, Philippicus, a civil servant by the name of Artemius was elevated to the throne, perhaps on the day following the blinding of Philippicus. On his coronation he took the name of Anastasius, in honor of the earlier emperor who had likewise risen from the civil service. Within the following fortnight, the two courtiers who had orchestrated the blinding of Philippicus were also blinded and sent into exile, thus removing these possible rivals to imperial power.
The decades of internal problems and internecine squabbles that preoccupied the Byzantines had allowed the Arabs ample opportunities for serious territorial acquisition at the Byzantine's expense. However, the new ruler showed that he had considerable ability to meet the challenges facing him. Constantinople was fortified, with stores laid in, to repulse an expected invasion, plans were laid for a surprise attack on the Muslim armada before it left its port, and efforts were made to reorganize the discipline of the army.
In the Spring of 715, Anastasius sent a fleet to Rhodes against the Saracen fleet which was departing from Alexandria. His orders were not only to resist the fleet but to destroy as much of the enemy's stores as possible. While stationed at Rhodes, disaffected troops in the Byzantine forces -- the Opsician troops -- mutinied, proclaiming a certain Theodosius as emperor. The Opsicians sailed back to Constantinople where they held the city under siege for six months. Anastasius was persuaded to abdicate, whereupon he was allowed to retire as a monk, and was exiled to Thessalonica. In 719 or 721, Anastasius returned leading a revolt against Leo III, who had replaced the short-lived Theodosius. His attempt failed. Falling into Leo's hands, he was beheaded for insurrection.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
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| Realized $4,830 |
