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Solidus with Bust of the Virgin
Byzantine, Constantinople
Reign of Leo VI the Wise
A.D. 886–908
Mint: Constantinople
Medium/Technique
Gold
Dimensions
Diameter: 20 mm; Weight: 4.44 gm; Die Axis: 6
Credit Line
Anonymous gift in memory of Zoë Wilbour (1864–1885)
Accession Number35.396
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsNumismatics – Coins
DescriptionObverse: +MARIA+ Bust of the Virgin facing, orans, wearing tunic and maphorion. In field l., MR; r., ΘΥ
Reverse: LEOηΕηΧ·ω bASILEYSRINωη Bust of Leo VI facing, with long beard, wearing chlamys with elaborate tablion and crown with cross composed of four pellets. In r. hand, globus surmounted by patriarchal cross
First portrait of the Virgin on coins.
Reverse: LEOηΕηΧ·ω bASILEYSRINωη Bust of Leo VI facing, with long beard, wearing chlamys with elaborate tablion and crown with cross composed of four pellets. In r. hand, globus surmounted by patriarchal cross
First portrait of the Virgin on coins.
Provenance1935, anonymous gift to the MFA. (Accession Date: April 4, 1935)