Preview
Creation Date
1059–1067
Geography
Minted in Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkiye)
Culture
Byzantine
Medium
Copper
Dimensions
25 mm
10.3 g
Credit Line
Long-term Loan from Brad Hostetler, 2025
Accession Number
2025.12
Condition
As of 4/7/2025: The edges of this coin are worn and uneven, particularly on the upper right hand corner. The obverse depicts a significant amount of wear. While the costume and inscription remain largely legible, the face of Christ and the right side of Christ’s halo are worn away. There is some slight oxidation around the relief areas of the coin.
The reverse of this coin has significant wear on the right side of the emperor’s loros, as well as on his face and head. The emperor’s eyes remain visible, as do the details of the remainder of his costume and the inscription above. There is more oxidation on the lower left edge of the reverse than in other areas.
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.9, p.777
Description
The obverse of this coin depicts a frontal bust of Christ, with a long beard. He wears a tunic and himation (Greek outer garment), with a cross nimbus behind his head (halo encircling a cross.) Christ raises his right hand in the benediction, while he holds a book in his left hand. To his left and right are two monograms that abbreviate Christ’s name.
On the reverse of this coin is a frontal bust of the emperor, bearded. He wears a crown with a cross and pendilia (gemmed pendants), and a modified loros (long narrow scarf). In his right hand, the emperor holds a cross, and in his left hand, he holds an akakia (purple silk scroll.)
Sonia Suben 2025