This coin features 4 emperors. On the front, Leo IV and the future Constantine VI. On the back, the deceased Leo III and Constantine V. The whole lineage is laid out so everyone knows "yes, we are legitimate." These rulers kept the distracting and debilitating subject of iconoclasm alive, until Empress Irene (the mother of Constantine VI and wife of Leo IV) ended its first phase following Leo IV's death in 780. Constantine VI would not meet a happy end and Irene would find herself exiled following a palace uprising. The coin then symbolizes the relative calm before the storm. Though I'm sure better examples exist, this is the best specimen I have come across since I started buying Byzantines 4-5 years ago. Leo IV (775-780), Æ Follis, Constantinople, Obv: Crowned and dr busts of Leo IV and Constantine VI facing; above, cross. Rev: Crowned busts of Leo III and Constantine V facing; between, cross; B - A/X - N across; ?mm, 5.50g.; Berk-866, Sear 1586
