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Auction: 21155 - Spink Numismatic e-Circular 13: Ancient, Indian and Islamic Coins - e-Auction
Lot: 8615

Flavius Basiliscus, Brother-in-Law of Leo I, Usurper against Zeno (475-476), AV Solidus, Constantinopolis, D N bASILIS – CYS P P AVG, helmeted and pearl-diademed bust facing three quarters right, holding spear and shield with horseman and enemy motif, rev. VICTORI – A AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long jewelled cross, star in right field, CONOB in exergue, (MIRB 1b; LRC 608; RIC 1003; Depeyrot 101/1), lightly cleaned, otherwise a bolder very fine, a rare survivor and contemporary of the dying embers of the Western Roman Empire

Basiliscus commanded the army for an invasion of the Vandal Kingdom in 468, which was defeated at the Battle of Cape Bon. There were accusations at the time that Basiliscus was bribed by Aspar, the magister militum; many historians dismiss this, instead concluding that Basiliscus was either incompetent or foolish for accepting Vandal King Gaiseric's offer of a truce, which the latter used to construct fireships. Basiliscus's defeat cost the Eastern Empire 130,000 pounds (59,000 kg) of gold, causing the empire to hover above bankruptcy for 30 years. When Basiliscus returned to Constantinople, he sought refuge in the Church of St. Sophia. His sister, Empress Verina, secured him a pardon and he left the church to retire in Neapolis

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Estimate

Starting price
£350