Preview
Creation Date
1122-1137
Geography
Minted in Thessalonica (Thessaloniki, Greece).
Culture
Byzantine
Medium
Copper
Dimensions
17 mm
0.06 oz. (1.74 g)
Credit Line
Gift of Brad Hostetler, 2022
Accession Number
2022.35
Condition
As of 9/5/2024: Edges of the coin are worn and uneven, but there are no notable areas of wear or polish from either cleaning or handling. The images and inscriptions on both sides remain quite legible, including details of faces and costumes. There is some darkening and green oxidation of the copper on both sides but particularly on the reverse around the bust of the emperor.
References
Hendy, Michael F. 1999. Catalogue of the Byzantine Coins in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and in the Whittemore Collection, vol. 4, Alexius I to Alexius V, 1081–1204. Washington, DC: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, no. 16b, p. 272
Description
The obverse of this half-tetarteron depicts a full-length figure of Christ, bearded, and wearing a halo (nimbate). He stands on a dais, or elevated platform. Christ wears a tunic and kolobion, or especially decorated, short-sleeved tunic worn for ecclesiastical ceremonies. In his left hand, Christ holds a copy of the Gospels. Flanking Christ on either side is an identificatory inscription of a shortened version of his name in Greek.
The reverse depicts a bust of the Emperor John II Komnenos (r. 1118–43). The emperor wears a chlamys, or short cloak. The chlamys was a typical part of the Byzantine imperial costuming. The emperor also wears a divitision, or long tunic. Around the emperor’s head is the stemma, the colorful, jeweled crown which indicates the figure’s imperial status; hanging from it on both sides of the head are pendilia, or gemmed pendants. In his right hand, the emperor holds a labarum-headed scepter with a short staff. The labarum head appears as a flag displaying military insignia. In his left hand, the emperor holds the globus cruciger, or sphere topped by a cross which represents imperial power.
Sonia Suben 2025