Irene's Syracuse solidi from this period are products of one of the most politically turbulent moments in Byzantine history. In 797, Irene ordered the blinding and deposition of her own son Constantine VI, making herself sole ruler — the first woman to reign as Byzantine emperor in her own name rather than as regent. The western mints, Syracuse chief among them, continued striking in her name throughout her five-year sole reign until Nikephoros I's coup in 802 ended it.
Syracuse output during this period tends toward slightly lower gold fineness than Constantinople issues of the same type.
Irene's Syracuse solidi from this period are products of one of the most politically turbulent moments in Byzantine history. In 797, Irene ordered the blinding and deposition of her own son Constantine VI, making herself sole ruler — the first woman to reign as Byzantine emperor in her own name rather than as regent. The western mints, Syracuse chief among them, continued striking in her name throughout her five-year sole reign until Nikephoros I's coup in 802 ended it.
Syracuse output during this period tends toward slightly lower gold fineness than Constantinople issues of the same type.