Struck during the latter half of Basiliscus’s short reign, the intention behind this coin was to cement the new emperor on the throne and create some semblance of normalcy. Both of which were vital due to tow very simple reasons. Basiliscus had recently seized the throne. Not only that, his predecessor Zeno, was still alive. A very undesirable position indeed.

When the Senate chose him to rule instead of Patricus, the intended successor of Zeno’s sister Verina, needed to be appeased. However, as Basiliscus quickly executed him, this wasn’t to be. Furthermore, after a triple whamy of high taxes, differing religious views (he was a Monophysite), and a fire which destroyed large parts of Constantinople, the people were through with the usurper. Exiled and sent to Cucusus region of Cappadocia Basiliscus and his family were either starved to death in a cistern or beheaded in August of 476 AD, sources differ.