Solidus of Michael III and Theodora, Constantinople

Michael III

843 (?) -856 CE

Gold

Arthur M. Sackler Museum

Two gold coins are shown against a black background. The coin on the left features a profile bust of a bearded man with a halo and text around the edge. The coin on the right shows two facing busts, each with a halo and wearing crowns, also with text around the edge. Obv.: Bust of Christ (Type Vc) facing, bearded, with cross behind head, wearing tunic and himation; r. hand raised in gesture of blessing in front of body, l. hand holding a book from beneath. Rev.: Two busts facing, Michael on l., bearded, wearing chlamys and crown with cross; Theodora on r., larger, wearing loros and crown with pendilia, two pinnacles and cross. Above, cross. Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore