Lot 3316
Irene, 797-802. Gold Solidus (4.46 g) minted at Constantinople. Bust of Irene facing, wearing crown and loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform scepter. Reverse: Bust of Irene facing, wearing crown and loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform scepter. D.O. 1; S. 1599. Very rare. Superb Extremely Fine.
An unusually well-struck example of this very rare coin type, portraying the first female sole ruler to occupy the Byzantine throne. She played long-distance chess with Charlemagne, and had numerous problems, causing an untimely culmination to her reign.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 24,000.
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