Basil II with Constantine VIII, circular inscription **, bust of Christ, bearded, facing, with nimbus cruciger, chiton and himation, raising his right hand in benediction, holding the gospels in his left, in fields to left and right **, rev. circular inscription **, on left, bust of Basil, bearded, facing, wearing crown, divitision and loros, on right, bust of Constantine, beardless, facing, wearing crown, divitision and chlamys, holding between them long patriarchal cross, 15.57g. (ZV 76c), very fine

Details

Basil II with Constantine VIII, circular inscription **, bust of Christ, bearded, facing, with nimbus cruciger, chiton and himation, raising his right hand in benediction, holding the gospels in his left, in fields to left and right **, rev. circular inscription **, on left, bust of Basil, bearded, facing, wearing crown, divitision and loros, on right, bust of Constantine, beardless, facing, wearing crown, divitision and chlamys, holding between them long patriarchal cross, 15.57g. (ZV 76c), very fine

Lot Essay

The emperor is here depicted with his younger brother Constantine who, though nominally co-emperor throughout the long reign, was happy to leave all the affairs of state to his older and more capable brother. Basil here wears the loros to mark his preeminence.