Nomos 23

Leo II, with Zeno, 474. Solidus (Gold, 20 mm, 4.49 g, 6 h), Constantinople, H = 8th officina. D N LEO ET Z-ENO P P AVG Helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust of an emperor facing, holding a spear in his right hand and with a shield, decorated with horseman attacking a fallen foe, over his left shoulder. Rev. SALVS REI-PVBLICAE / H/CONOB Leo II, smaller and on the left, and Zeno, larger and on the right, seated facing on a double throne with a back, each holding mappa; star above cross in the upper field. Depeyrot 98/1. LRC 600. MIRB 1a. RIC 803. With a very well-struck obverse and a handsome bust. Extremely fine.

This very rare and incredibly attractive solidus comes from the joint reign of Leo II and his father, Zeno. Leo II was a sickly youth, and was elevated to his position by his grandfather, the emperor Leo I. When Leo I died, Leo II ascended the throne, but because he was too young to sign official documents, the Senate made his father, the highly unpopular Isaurian general Zeno, his co-ruler. Leo II died sometime after 10 October 474, leaving his father as sole emperor. Despite Zeno' unpopularity due to his Isaurian origins and the fact that he had no ancestral ties to the throne, he brought stability to the Eastern Roman Empire through his successful military campaigns and diplomacy.