2019-07-16 Tue

Leo IV the Khazar was the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire reigning from 776 to 780 AD. His reign marked a transition between the period of Iconoclasm and the restoration of the icons.

Leo IV was born in 750 AD, to Emperor Constantine IV and Tzitzak. He became Emperor at the death of his father while campaigning against the Bulgarian Empire. Leo launched an invasion against Abbasids in 778, invading Syria. His coins were found in the denomination of Solidus, Miliaression, and Follis. These coins were struck at Constantinople and Syracuse mint.

The above shown gold Solidus issued under his reign from Constantinople mint. The obverse with the facing busts of Leo IV with short beard, on the left and his son, Constantine VI, on the right. Both are shown wearing cross-topped crowns and chlamys (cloak) fastened with decorative, circular brooches. Pellet between heads and cross above. The reverse of a coin shows the crowned facing busts of Leo III and Constantine V, each wearing loros; cross above.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions