Late Roman Empire 476-491AD Zeno Gold Solidus UNC+ (MS62)

Late Roman Empire 476-491AD Zeno Gold Solidus UNC+ (MS-62)

Zeno (AD 425–491), originally an Isaurian general named Tarasis, married Emperor Leo I's daughter Ariadne in 466, and they bore a son, Leo II. Leo II was made co-emperor with his grandfather as a young boy in 473, and, upon the death of his grandfather, became Eastern Roman Emperor with his father, Zeno, as co-emperor. His rule was unfortunately short lived, as he passed away shortly thereafter, thus making Zeno the sole Emperor of Eastern Rome. His reign was marked by political turmoil, including a revolt by Basiliscus and tensions with both the Roman Senate and the Church over his religious policy, particularly the controversial Henotikon, which sought to reconcile Chalcedonian and Monophysite factions. Zeno skillfully navigated threats from Ostrogoths and other barbarian groups, and during his rule, the Western Roman Empire formally came to an end in 476. Though often unpopular in Constantinople, his political resilience allowed him to maintain the Eastern Empire’s stability during a turbulent era.

Obverse: Helmeted with pearl-diadem and cuirassed bust of Zeno facing outward, holding a spear over his right shoulder, and a shield decorated with a horseman riding down an ememy on the left, with the legend around.
Reverse: Winged Victory standing facing left, holding a long jewelled cross in right hand, with a star to the right, with the mintmark below.

Specifications:
Emperor: Zeno (474-491)
Composition: Gold
Weight: 4.45 g
Diameter: 21.5 mm
Mint: Constantinople