Basil I the Macedonian c868AD Constantine & Christ Gold Solidus NGC Ch AU D023

Description

Byzantine Empire Coin
Basil I the Macedonian (AD 868-886), with Constantine. Gold AV Solidus (19mm,  4.43 gm, 6h).
Reference: Sear 1704
NGC Choice AU Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5
Obverse: Constantinople, AD 870-871. + IhS XPS RЄX-RЄGNANtIЧM*, full-length  figure of Christ enthroned facing, wearing nimbus cruciger, pallium and colobium,  raising right hand in benediction, book of Gospels in left.
Reverse: bASILIOS ЄT CONStANt' AЧΣΣ b', crowned facing busts of Basil I (on  left), with short beard, wearing loros, and Constantine (on right), beardless,  wearing chlamys pinned at right shoulder, both holding patriarchal cross with  globule at base between them.
Basil I, called the Macedonian (Greek: Βασίλειος ὁ Μακεδών,  Basíleios ō Makedṓn, 811 – 29 August 886), was a Byzantine Emperor who reigned  from 867 to 886. Born a simple peasant in the theme of Macedonia, he rose in the  Imperial court. He entered into the service of Theophilitzes, a relative of  Emperor Michael III (r. 842–867), and was given a fortune by the wealthy  Danielis. He gained the favour of Michael III, whose mistress he married on the  emperor's orders, and was proclaimed co-emperor in 866. He ordered the  assassination of Michael the next year. Despite his humble origins, he showed  great ability in running the affairs of state. He was the founder of the  Macedonian dynasty. He was succeeded upon his death by his son (perhaps actually  Michael III's son) Leo VI.
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