The Byzantine craze continues. These portraits of Michael II and Theophilus just wouldn't leave me alone. Michael II, according to David Sear's book, became "the first emperor for half a century to expire peacefully in possession of his throne." His son and heir, Theophilus, pictured to Michael's right on the coin, would unsuccessfully attempt to reestablish iconoclasm after his father's death. It would remain the last outbreak of what many historians consider a great and costly distraction from ruling and maintaining the empire. Michael II the Amorian (AD 820 - 829) with Theophilus Æ Follis; Constantinople mint; Obv: MIXAHL S ΘЄOFILOS, crowned facing busts of Michael (on left) and Theophilus (on right); cross above; Rev: Large M, X/X/X to left, cross above, N/N/N to right, Θ below; 29.12mm; 6.21 grams; Sear 1642
