Leo I Gold Solidus 457-474AD Thessalonica

Leo I Gold Solidus 457-474AD Thessalonica
19mm, 4.36g

Leo I (Flavius Valerius Leo Augustus) was Eastern Roman Emperor from 457 to 474AD. He was a native of Dacia Aureliana situated near historic Thrace, and known as Leo the Thracian. Leo I ruled the Eastern Empire for nearly 20 years, proving to be a capable ruler. Overseeing many ambitious political and military plans to assist the faltering Western Roman Empire, he was at the forefront in recovering former territories. He is noted in history for being the first Eastern Emperor to legislate in common Greek rather than Latin and is commemorated as a Saint in the Orthodox Church, his feast day being held on 20t January.