Freeman & Sear - Gemini I, Session 2
      Lot: 505

      ROMAN EMPIRE: Leo V. AD 813-820. AV solidus (4.38 gm).

      ROMAN EMPIRE. Leo V (AD 813-820). Gold solidus (4.38 
      gm). Constantinople, AD 813. LE-On bASILEU, facing bust 
      with short beard, crowned and wearing chlamys, holding 
      cross potent in right hand and akakia in left, pellet in 
      outer left field / LEON dE-SPOTIS *X, facing bust with 
      short beard, crowned and wearing loros, holding globus 
      cruciger in right hand, pellet in outer left field. DO 
      (1). Sear 1626. Ratto 1794 (brought SF1050). Extremely 
      rare: none in Dumbarton Oaks, and less than five 
      examples recorded. Nearly mint state 

      This is the inaugural issue of Leo V. In the famous 
      Ratto Byzantine sale of 1930 this great rarity brought 
      the highest price in the sale. 
      Estimated Value: $ 24,000 




...Sold for $18,000 USD [ approx 13680 EUR, 9540 GBP ] plus 15% buyers fee. 

Gemini I Auction Closed Jan 11-12, 2005. 

Re-used by permission of Freeman & Sear (www.freemanandsear.com) 
    and Harlan J Berk (www.harlanjberk.com).