2015-12-08 Tue

Continued from Part I... Eudokia Ingerina Eudokia Ingerina, mistress of Michael III, was married to his friend, Basil, after the alliance was arranged by Michael in order to avoid a scandal. Basil usurped the throne after murdering Michael III in September 867 CE. On scarce coins of Basil I, Eudokia is depicted along with her stepson, Constantine. The finest of these coins have realised $47,000 in recent auctions. Irene The wife of Emperor Leo IV, Irene ruled as regent for her nine-year old son, Constantine VI upon her husband’s death. She was depicted on gold coins of the period along with her son. After Constantine VI came of age, Irene refused to relinquish power. She broke off her son’s engagement to Charlemagne’s daughter, had him blinded (which made him ineligible to rule), and exiled him to a remote island where he soon died. Irene boldly placed her own portrait on both sides of the gold solidus. These coins are in high demand today and fine specimens are sold for prices of over US $10,000, although prices have recently eased. Eudokia Makrembolitissa Wife to the Byzantine Emperor, Constantine X Doukas, Eudokia ruled as regent on behalf of her sons, Michael Vii and Konstantios, upon her husband’s death. Coins issued during her regency were scarce and slightly cup-shaped. The obverse depicted Christ’s image while the reverse showed a standing figure of Eudokia flanked by her sons. Continued in Part III...