Irene

797-802

The powerful personality of Irene had always overshadowed that of her son Constantine, and only an army mutiny had prevented her from taking power as senior Augustus in 790. After a short period in exile, she returned to Constantinople, and began working at eliminating her enemies. By 797 she has discredited her son to the point that she could have him deposed, blinded and murdered with little outcry. Irene too, was deposed in 802 after attempting to arrange a marriage between herself and Charlemagne. Reprinted from The Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

AU Solidus

SB 1599, DOC III 1a.2 AU Solidus Obv: EIRINHbASILISSH - Crowned bust facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and scepter.
Rev: EIRINHbASILISSHθ - Same as obverse. (Constantinople).

SB 1599, DOC III 1c AU Solidus Obv: EIRINHbASILISSH - Crowned bust facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and scepter.
Rev: EIRINHbASILISSHX - Same as obverse. (Constantinople).

Unlisted AU Solidus Obv: Irened crowned bust facing, holding globus cruciger and cross; • in left field.
Rev: Irened crowned bust facing, holding globus cruciger and cross; C I across fields. (Syracuse).

AE Follis

SB 1600, DOC III 2 AE Follis Obv: Crowned facing bust, holding globus cruciger and scepter.
Rev: Large M Exe: A - Cross above, NNN to right and XXX to left. (Constantinople). $2,800 4/1/01.