Basil I, Leo and Alexander (879-886).

AV Semissis. Constantinople, 879. 
bA SILIO AVGG. Bust of Basil facing, bearded, wearing 
crown and loros, holding cross potent and akakia. 

+ LEON SE ALEX' AVGG'. Facing beardless busts of Leo and 
Alexander, each wearing crown and chlamys; between heads +. 

2.27 grams, 6h. SM 196, 1999, 78; for type cf. Sear 1705. Of 
the highest rarity. Extremely Fine. (22,500-27,500)

For AVGG on the obverse, cf. DOC p. 491, note 6; the Semissis in Berlin 
of 2.21 g, incorrectly identified as a Tremissis.

Purchased from Waddell, February 1997.

Sold for $17,000.-
Courtesy of Stacks, Jan. 2009.