Byzantine Empire, Constantinople AV Solidus (AD 780–797): Joint Reign of Constantine VI and Empress Irene with Isaurian Dynasty Reverse

Irene & Constantine VI Gold Solidus (AD 780-797) — Mother vs Son Byzantine Drama

NGC certified pure gold solidus from Constantinople — unprecedented mother-son co-rule ending in Irene blinding her own son.

Dynastic Tension Design

• Obverse: Facing busts — Irene + youthful Constantine VI, cross between

• Reverse: Leo III, Constantine V, Leo IV — Isaurian dynasty founders seated

Technical Specifications

• Material: Pure gold (AV)

• Weight: 4.45g

• Denomination: Solidus (Byzantine standard)

• Certification: NGC slabbed

• Mint: Constantinople

• Period: AD 780-797 (pre-Irene sole rule)

Imperial Power Struggle

• Irene as regent for underage Constantine VI

• Iconoclasm controversy + political maneuvering

• Irene deposed/blinded son in AD 797

• First female sole Roman emperor

Collector Masterpiece

Most dramatic Byzantine family conflict in gold. Mother-son rivalry propaganda essential.

Note: Coins shown are representative examples of grade/type, not actual specimens.