2020-05-20 Wed

Aelia Ariadne was the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor, Leo, and his wife, Verina. She played a crucial role in the transition of Late Roman to Byzantine rule. Gold coins were struck in her name whose dates of issue are uncertain. These coins are known to be extremely rare.

She was married to Tarasicodissa in 467. In 474 Leo I died, and her son ascended the throne as Emperor Leo II. The young Emperor died shortly after his ascension, and was succeeded to the imperial throne by his father, who took the name Emperor Zeno. Upon the death of her husband Zeno in 491, Ariadne selected a palace official named Flavius Anastasius to succeed as the new Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire. They were married shortly after his ascension.

The above shown gold Solidus was issued from Constantinople mint. The obverse of a coin depicts Bust of Ariadne, pearl-diademed, draped, right, wearing necklace and earrings. The reverse of a coin engraved Victory, winged, draped, standing right, supporting long jeweled cross; star in right field.