Preview
Creation Date
c. 1030
Geography
Minted in Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkiye)
Culture
Byzantine
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
23 mm
3.04 g
Credit Line
Long-term Loan from Brad Hostetler, 2025
Accession Number
2025.11
Condition
As of 4/3/2025: The obverse of this coin has a decent amount of wear on it, particularly on the edge of the upper half and the bottom left region of the coin. The metal is worn and rough in these areas, including the bottom of the Virgin’s feet. The inscription is largely legible, except for the face of the Virgin, which is obscure.
The reverse of this coin is much less worn than the obverse. The inscription on the coin is legible, with some obscuring in the text in the upper half of the coin, and around the globus cruciger.
References
Grierson, Philip. 1973. Catalogue of the Byzantine Coins in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and in the Whittemore Collection, vol. 3, Leo III to Nicephorus III, 717–1081. Washington, DC: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, no. 3, p.719
Description
The obverse of this coin depicts a full-length, standing portrait of the Virgin turned slightly to the right. She is nimbate (haloed) and wearing a tunic and maphorion (veil). The Virgin also stands on a dais. In her left arm she is holding the infant Christ, who raises his right hand in the benediction. The infant holds a scroll in his left hand. The Virgin’s right hand rests on her breast. The figures are surrounded by an inscription of Greek letters and a decorative border.
The reverse of this coin depicts a full-length portrait of the emperor Romanos III standing on a round cushion, bearded, wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia (gemmed pendants). He also wears a modified loros (long decorated scarf). In his right hand, Romanos holds a long patriarchal cross, and in his left hand, a globe surmounted by a cross. The same decorative border as on the obverse encircles him.
Sonia Suben 2025