Bought this Miliaresion from Herakles Numismatics at the 86th Central States Convention. I have been looking for an Irene coin because that's the name of my daughter, but the gold ones are quite expensive, but this Milaresion found its way to me Irene of Athens was a ruthless person, she refused to give up power when her son came of age, and had her own son, Constantinus VI blinded; blinding, which made the victim ineligible for the throne, was considered more merciful than beheading. Constantinus VI died in prison. Constantinople, September 8, 780 – August 19, 797 AD 20 x 19 mm, 1.640 g, 12h DOC III-1 4 a.8; p. 343; SBCV 1595; Paris 1-9; BMC 6-7. Ob.: IҺSЧS XRISTЧS ҺICA Cross potent on a base with three steps; triple border. These steps are sometimes interpreted as representing Faith, Hope, and Charity, and are sometimes marked with the Latin words Fides, Spes, and Caritas. Rev. : COҺS / TAҺTIҺO / SSIRIҺIЄ / CΘЄЧ ЬA / SILIS Inscription in five lines; triple border. Dumbarton Oaks (DOC) identifies the side with the cross as the reverse (DOC III-1, p. 342). Picture courtesy of Herakles Numismatics Please share your coins of Irene of Athens
Neat! I have the same type; it was kind of a 'two-for', ticking off both rulers. I have always wanted an Irene portrait follis, but they're either in grotty shape or pretty expensive.
