2019-12-24 Tue

Leo V, also known as Leo the Armenian was the Byzantine Emperor reigning from 813 to 820. He ended the decade long war with the Bulgar and is responsible for inaugurating the second Iconoclastic period in the Byzantine Empire.

Leo was born in 775 to Patrician Bardas, who was of Armenian descent. He was a successful general in the armies of Nicephorus I and Michael I, dealing both the Arabs and Bulgarians several defeats. A senior general, he forced his predecessor, Michael I Rangabe, to abdicate and assumed the throne.

Today on 24th December in the year 820 he was assassinated in the Hagia Sophia at Constantinople and is succeeded by Michael the Amorian. During the reign, he issued coins in the denomination of Solidus, Miliaresion, Follis, and Semissis. These coins were struck at Constantinople and Syracuse mints.

The above shown gold Solidus issued under his reign from Constantinople mint. The obverse of a coin depicts the crowned facing bust of Leo, wearing slight beard and chlamys, and holding akakia and cross potent. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin has crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing chlamys and holding acacia and globus cruciger.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions