Michael II (820-829).

Solidus. Constantinople, c. 820-821. * MIX AHL bASIL?s. Facing bust of 
Michael, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, holding cross 
potent and akakia. Rv. MIXAH L bASIL??s ?. Similar bust of Michael, but 
wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform scepter. AV 4.40 
grams, 6h. 
DOC 1; FF 1.A; Sear 1639. 
Extremely rare. Good Very Fine. 

Michael II (820-829). A rough soldier of humble background, Michael served as military commander under Leo V. Acclaimed emperor after the assassination of his benefactor, he founded the Amorian dynasty. His marriage ca. 823 to Euphrosyne, daughter of Constantine VI and a nun incurred the wrath of the church. During his reign the Arabs took Crete and began their conquest of Sicily.

Ex Goodacre Collection (Christie's London sale, April 1986, 215).

Stack's The Golden Horn Collection (12.01.2009), lot 3198, sold for $13000 

Courtesy of Stack's Co. Feb. 2009.