THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE
Theodosius III, 715 - 717
Solidus 715-717, AV 4.47 g. d N ThEOdO – SIYS MYI A Facing bust, wearing loros and crown, holding patriarchal cross with an X at the intersection surmounted on globe and anexikakia. Rev. VICTORIA – AVGY I Cross potent on base and three steps; in exergue, CONOB. DO 1d. MIB 1. Sear 1487.
Very rare. An almost invisible mark on obverse, otherwise almost Fdc.
Ex Gorny & Mosch sale 203, 2012, 568.
A minor treasury official, and thus an unlikely candidate for the throne, Theodosius was elevated against his will by soldiers stationed at Rhodes, who were revolting against the burdensome rule of Anastasius II. After a six-month siege of Constantinople, Theodosius took the city in November, 715. His reign lasted just less than two years, and he abdicated in favour of Leo III, who had captured his son in Nicomedia. Both Theodosius and his son were permitted to retire to a monastery, and the former emperor subsequently became the bishop of Ephesus.