Leo III ‘the Isaurian’, with Constantine V, AE 40 Nummi. Constantinople, AD 735-741

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Byzantine, Leo III ‘the Isaurian’, with Constantine V, AE 40 Nummi (bronze, 5.35g, 23mm). Constantinople, AD 735-741
Obv: LEOҺ S COҺSƮ; crowned and draped busts of Leo and Constantine V; pellet between
Rev: Large M; cross above, XXX to left, NNN to right, A below
Ref: DOC 39; Sear 1516 Rarity/Choice: Common, aVF
Note: This follis of Leo III and his son Constantine V was struck at Constantinople between 735–741 AD, near the end of Leo’s reign. The period is pivotal for the start of Iconoclasm, when images of Christ and the saints were banned, leading to fierce conflict within the empire and with the papacy. The joint portraiture on such bronzes underlined the dynastic legitimacy of the Isaurian house, stressing continuity from father to son during a time of military consolidation and religious controversy.

 

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