Leo IV the Khazar, with Constantine VI, Leo III, and Constantine V. 775-780 AD. Theoupolis (Antioch), c. 778-780
Leo IV the Khazar, with Constantine VI, Leo III, and Constantine V. 775-780 AD. Theoupolis (Antioch), c. 778-780
Æ Decanummium, 4.42g (20mm, 6h). LЄOҺ VS S ЄςςOҺ COҺSTAҺTIҺOS O ҺЄOS', crowned facing busts of Leo IV and Constantine VI, each wearing chlamys; cross above, • between / LЄOҺ PAP' COҺSTAҺTIҺOS PATHR, crowned facing busts of Leo III and Constantine V, each wearing loros; cross above, • between.
References: DOC 1. Sear 1583. BMC 1-2. Ratto 1765-6
Grade: Legend on obverse is worn away, otherwise a very good strike and while a tight flan, well centered and good metal. Good EF . (bz1023)
Scroll down for more information about this coin.
Leo IV had a short reign of five years dying at the early age of thirty-one. Leo’s grandfather Leo III was a powerful ruler and differed from his grandson in that his reign was long. In fact, Leo III’s reign is considered to be one of the most important in Byzantine history. Prior to his reign of 24 years the reigns of previous rulers were extremely brief for the prior 22 years.
Probably more notable was Irene, Leo IV’s wife. She was the steward of their son, Constantine VI, and ruled for him while he was younger. As he matured and became more dangerous to her power Irene deposed and blinded her son.