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Nicephorus I and Stauracius Gold Solidus, obverse

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Byzantine

Nicephorus I and Stauracius Gold Solidus

Nicephorus I and Stauracius · Ninth-Century Transition

Nicephorus I and Stauracius divide the solidus between reigning father and designated son, restoring a direct dynastic portrait after Irene’s sole rule.

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Object number
AG-038
Date
AD 803–811
Denomination
AV Solidus
Material
Gold
Weight
4.45 g
Grade
MS · Strike 3/5 · Surface 4/5
Certification
NGC Ancients

Record completeness

Evidence, made visible

  • Object identityDocumented
  • Physical recordPartly documented
  • AttributionPartly documented
  • Legends & imageryNot recorded
  • ProvenanceNot recorded

The Story Behind the Strike

Nicephorus I took power in 802 after Irene’s deposition and pursued fiscal and military reform. By placing his son Stauracius on the coinage, he sought to make succession visible and secure. The two portraits occupy opposite sides, echoing the dynastic structure used by earlier eighth-century rulers. History defeated the intended permanence: Nicephorus was killed campaigning against the Bulgars in 811, and the wounded Stauracius ruled only briefly. The solidus therefore preserves an official future that scarcely came to pass, making it a particularly eloquent witness to the difference between imperial image and political outcome.