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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Byzantine Coins| ▸ |Byzantine Gold||View Options:   | | | Constantine the Great moved the capital of the Roman Empire to the former Byzantium in Thrace and renamed it Constantinopolis, present day Istanbul, Turkey. Numismatists, for convenience, have arbitrarily categorized coins from Anastasius I and after as Byzantine coins. Numismatists use Anastasius as the beginning of Byzantine because he dramatically reformed the bronze coinage. A significant minority of numismatists pick an earlier time and ruler, often Constantine the Great, as the dividing time between the Roman and Byzantine empires, because most coins were issued from Constantinople, or since it became the seat of government. Although the citizens generally spoke Greek, they considered themselves Roman for the entire Byzantine period, making our division of the empire an entirely modern convention. |
Graffiti around edges (WMK between 9 and 11, + at 3, and III at 4 on the obverse; + at 12 and symbols at 3 on reverse). In Forum's opinion, this graffiti is not detracting, but rather interesting.SH08811. Gold hyperpyron, DOC IV-2 4; Hendy pl. 31, 13; Lianta 202; Sommer 70.1.1; SBCV 2073; Ratto -, Choice aEF, scyphate, much better strike than typical for this issue!, graffiti, weight 4.27 g, maximum diameter 27.5 mm, die axis 180o, Lydia, Magnesia ad Sipylum (Manisa, Turkey) mint, 1222 - 1254 A.D.; obverse Christ seated facing on throne without back, nimbate, wears tunic and kolobion, raising right hand in benediction, Gospels in left hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: IΗΣOúΣ XPIΣTOΣ - Jesus Christ) flanking nimbus, no sigla; reverse IW ΔECΠOT - TW ΠOPΦVPΓEN (or similar, John, despotes, born in the purple), John on left, standing facing, wears stemma, divitision, collar-piece and loros, holding labarum in right hand, anexikakia in left; crowned by Virgin Mary on right, standing left, nimbate, wears tunic and maphorion, MP - ΘV (Greek abbreviation: Μητηρ Θεου; - Mother of God); from John Aiello; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Nicephorus II Phocas, 16 August 963 - 10 December 969 A.D., with Basil II
This coin has been clipped to less than half its original weight. Most likely it was clipped for mounting in jewelry. It is an excellent size for mounting in a ring.BZ89540. Gold tetarteron nomisma, DOC III-2 5.1 (same dies); Morrisson BnF 39/Cp/AV/11; Sommer 38.4; SBCV 1780; Wroth BMC -; Ratto - (none clipped to tremissis), VF, clipped to tremissis weight, light earthen deposits, weight 1.617 g, maximum diameter 11.7 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 16 Aug 963 - 10 Dec 969 A.D.; obverse + Ihs XΓS REX REGNANTInm (Jesus Christ King of Kings), bust of Christ Pantokrator facing wearing nimbus cruciger with two pellets in each limb of the cross, pallium, and colobium, raising right hand in benediction, Gospels in left hand; reverse +ΘEOTOC' bHΘ' hIEHF dESP' (God-bearer help ruler Nicephorus), facing busts of the Virgin, on left, and Nicephorus, on right, they hold a long patriarchal cross between them, she is nimbate, wears a stola and maphorium and divides M - Θ (mother of God), he has a short beard and wears a crown and loros; from the Robert Watcher Collection; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Nicephorus III Botaniates, 7 January 1078 - 1 April 1081
After the inept rule of Michael VII led to several revolts, Nicephorus seized the capitol and was crowned emperor. His wife died shortly after. To gain the aura of royalty and the support of the powerful Ducas family, he married Michael's wife, Empress Maria of Alania (despite that her husband was still alive). Instead of strengthening his position, the marriage would lead to his downfall. In order to ensure the succession of her son Constantine, Empress Maria conspired with Alexius Comnenus to dispose of Nicephorus. Just as Nicephorus had banished Michael to a monastery, Alexius Comnenus banished Nicephorus to a monastery. He died soon after.SH70970. Electrum histamenon nomisma, DOC III-2 3b, Wroth BMC 7, Morrisson BnF 56/Cp/AV/01, Ratto 2051, SBCV 1881, Sommer 56.3, F/VF, scyphate, flan crack, weight 4.257 g, maximum diameter 28.7 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, obverse Christ seated facing on a throne without back, wearing nimbus cruciger, no pellets in the arms of the cross, pallium, and colobium, gospels in left, raises right in benediction, IC - XC on sides of nimbus, all inside double border; reverse +NIKHΦ ΔEC TW ROTANIAT (or similar), Nicephorus standing facing on footstool, bearded, wearing crown and loros, holding labarum with cross on shaft and globus cruciger, all inside double border; from the Robert Watcher Collection; very scarce; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, John II Comnenus, 15 August 1118 - 8 April 1143 A.D.
John II was the oldest son of Alexius I and succeeded to the throne in 1118. He was a good and capable ruler, and did much to further the Byzantine Empire. He recaptured lost territory and added territory to the Empire. He attempted to curtail the trading privileges given to the Venetians but was forced to give up this idea. His reign was brought to an early end when he died in a hunting accident. His youngest son, Manuel I, succeeded him.SH90889. Electrum aspron trachy, DOC-1 IV 8d; Morrisson BnF 60/Cp/El/3; Wroth BMC 46; Ratto 2098; Grierson 1068; CLBC I 3.2.2; Sommer 60.5; SBCV 1942, aEF, scyphate, flan crack, weight 4.119 g, maximum diameter 33.1 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 1122 - 8 Apr 1143 A.D.; obverse Christ seated facing on throne without back, bearded, wearing tunic and kolobion, raising right in benediction, gospels in left hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Ihsoús Xristós - Jesus Christ) flanking nimbus, three pellets at each side of throne; reverse + Iw / ΔECΠO/TH in column of four rows on left - Θ / ΓE/PW/ΓI in column of four rows on right, John (on left) and St. George standing facing, together holding patriarchal cross on a small globe between them, John wearing crown, divitision, and chlamys with dot (control symbol) below the tablion, St. George nimbate, in military dress, left hand on sword at side; from the Robert Watcher Collection, ex Jean Elsen sale V 116, lot 747; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Tiberius III Apsimar, Late 698 - Summer 705 A.D.
All coins of Tiberius III are scarce or rare.SH17759. Gold semissis, DOC II-2 3, SBCV 1362, Wroth BMC 7, Tolstoi 29, Ratto 1700, Morrisson BnF 4, Sommer -, F, weight 2.169 g, maximum diameter 17.7 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, obverse D TibERIUS PE AV, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, holds shield and spear diagonally in front of chest; reverse VICTORIA AVGU S (victory of the Emperor, 6th officina), cross potent on globus; flan a bit wavy; SOLD
Empire of Nicaea, John III Ducas-Vatatzes, c. 15 December 1221 - 3 November 1254
A successful soldier from a military family, John was chosen in about 1216 by Emperor Theodore I Laskaris as the second husband for his daughter Irene Laskarina and as heir to the throne. This arrangement excluded members of the Laskarid family from the succession, and when he became emperor in 1221, following Theodore I's death, he had to suppress opposition to his rule. John was a very successful ruler who greatly increased the size, influence, and prosperity of the Nicaean Empire. He prepared the way for his descendants to successfully restore Greek rule to Constantinople and to rule the restored Byzantine Empire.SH87503. Gold hyperpyron, DOC IV-2 6c, Sommer 70.1.6 var. (no pellet left), Hendy pl. 32, 3 var. (same), SBCV 2073, Ratto -, VF, scyphate, uneven strike with flat areas, obverse off center, weight 4.350 g, maximum diameter 25.1 mm, die axis 180o, Lydia, Magnesia ad Sipylum (Manisa, Turkey) mint, 2nd coinage, c. 1232 - 1254; obverse Christ seated facing on throne without back, nimbate, wears tunic and kolobion, raising right hand in benediction, Gospels in left hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Jesus Christ) across field, pellet to left and right (sigla) above throne; reverse IW DECΠOTH TΩ <Θ>ΠOPΦVPOΓ (or similar, blundered, mostly not struck), John on left, standing facing, wears stemma, divitision, collar-piece and loros, holding labarum in right hand, anexikakia in left; crowned by Virgin Mary on right, standing left, nimbate, wears tunic and maphorion, MP - ΘV (Greek abbreviation: Mother of God) flanking her; from the Robert Watcher Collection; rare sigla variety; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, John II Comnenus, 15 August 1118 - 8 April 1143 A.D.
According to the Golden Legend, a plague-bearing dragon lived in a lake near a city called Silene, in Libya. To appease the dragon, the people fed it two sheep every day. When the sheep failed, they fed it their children, chosen by lottery. It happened that the lot fell on the king's daughter, Sabra. Sabra was sent out to the lake, dressed as a bride, to be fed to the dragon. Saint George was ridding past when dragon reared out of the lake. He fortified himself with the Sign of the Cross charged it on horseback with his lance, and gave it a grievous wound. He then called to the princess to throw him her girdle. After he put it around its neck, the dragon followed the girl like a meek beast on a leash. The princess and Saint George led the dragon back to the city of Silene. It terrified the people at its approach, but Saint George called out to them, saying that if they consented to become Christians and be baptized, he would slay the dragon. The king and the people converted to Christianity and George slew the dragon. On the site where the dragon died, the king built a church to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint George, and from its altar a spring arose whose waters cured all disease.SH10983. Electrum aspron trachy, DOC IV-1 8b; Hendy pl. 10, 2; Morrisson BnF 60/Cp/El/01; Wroth BMC 49; SBCV 1941; Sommer 60.4; Ratto -, gVF, scyphate, edge splits, edge chip, clipped, weight 1.512 g, maximum diameter 24.6 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 15 Aug 1118 - 1122 A.D.; obverse Christ seated facing on throne without back, bearded, wearing tunic and kolobion, raising right in benediction, gospels in left hand, IC - XC (Greek abbr.: Ihsoús Xristós - Jesus Christ) flanking nimbus, pellet (control) at each side of throne; reverse + Iw / ΔECΠO/TH in column of four rows on left - Θ / ΓE/PW/ΓI in column of four rows on right, John (on left) and St. George standing facing, together holding patriarchal cross on a small globe between them, John wearing crown, divitision, and chlamys with dot (control symbol) below the tablion, St. George nimbate, in military dress, left hand on sword at side; ex Edward J. Waddell; scarce; SOLD
Empire of Nicaea, John III Ducas-Vatatzes, c. 15 December 1221 - 3 November 1254
SH10987. Gold hyperpyron, DOC IV-2 12 (not in the DO collection, lists two known specimens: (1) Apostolo Zeno II Sale, lot 2558; (2) Archaeological Museum Istanbul), VF+, scyphate, weight 4.466 g, maximum diameter 29.4 mm, die axis 0o, Lydia, Magnesia ad Sipylum (Manisa, Turkey) mint, 1222 - 1254; obverse IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Jesus Christ), Christ seated facing on throne without back, nimbate, wears tunic and kolobion, raising right hand in benediction, Gospels in left hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Jesus Christ) divided across field, symbol (siglon) above throne on right; reverse IW DECΠOTH TΩ <Θ>ΠOPΦ (or similar, blundered, mostly not struck), John on left, standing facing, wears stemma, divitision, collar-piece and loros, holding labarum in right hand, anexikakia in left; crowned by Virgin Mary on right, standing left, nimbate, wears tunic and maphorion, MP - ΘV (Greek abbreviation: Mother of God) flanking her; ex Colosseum Coin Exchange; ex. rare sigla variety; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, John II Comnenus, 15 August 1118 - 8 April 1143 A.D.
According to the Golden Legend, a plague-bearing dragon lived in a lake near a city called Silene, in Libya. To appease the dragon, the people fed it two sheep every day. When the sheep failed, they fed it their children, chosen by lottery. It happened that the lot fell on the king's daughter, Sabra. Sabra was sent out to the lake, dressed as a bride, to be fed to the dragon. Saint George was ridding past when dragon reared out of the lake. He fortified himself with the Sign of the Cross charged it on horseback with his lance, and gave it a grievous wound. He then called to the princess to throw him her girdle. After he put it around its neck, the dragon followed the girl like a meek beast on a leash. The princess and Saint George led the dragon back to the city of Silene. It terrified the people at its approach, but Saint George called out to them, saying that if they consented to become Christians and be baptized, he would slay the dragon. The king and the people converted to Christianity and George slew the dragon. On the site where the dragon died, the king built a church to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint George, and from its altar a spring arose whose waters cured all disease.SH99294. Electrum aspron trachy, DOC IV-1 8b; Hendy pl. 10, 2; Morrisson BnF 60/Cp/El/02; Wroth BMC 49; CLBC I 3.2.1; Grierson 1067; SBCV 1941; Sommer 60.4; Ratto -, aEF, scyphate, edge split, edge chip, light marks, excellent reverse!, weight 3.949 g, maximum diameter 31.9 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 15 Aug 1118 - 1122 A.D.; obverse Christ seated facing on throne without back, bearded, wearing tunic and kolobion, raising right in benediction, gospels in left hand, IC - XC (Greek abbr.: Ihsoús Xristós - Jesus Christ) flanking nimbus, pellet (control) at each side of throne; reverse + Iw / ΔECΠO/TH in column of four rows on left - Θ / ΓE/PW/ΓI in column of four rows on right, John (on left) and St. George standing facing, together holding patriarchal cross on a small globe between them, John wearing crown, divitision, and chlamys with dot (control symbol) below the tablion, St. George nimbate, in military dress, left hand on sword at side; from the S. Lindner Collection; ex Savoca auction 26 (14 Oct 2018), lot 541; scarce; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Manuel I Comnenus, 8 April 1143 - 24 September 1180 A.D.
Gibbons Decline & Fall says of Manuel I, "The first in the charge, the last in the retreat, his friends and his enemies alike trembled, the former for his safety, and the latter for their own."BZ38048. Electrum aspron trachy, DOC IV-1 2a; Morrisson BnF 61/Cp/El/1; Wroth BMC 17; Ratto 2117; Hendin pl. 13, 1; SBCV 1957; Sommer 61.2, EF, cracked, weight 4.331 g, maximum diameter 33.3 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 1st coinage, c. 1143 - 1152 A.D.; obverse IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Jesus Christ) OEMMANVOHΛ, facing bust of Christ, bearded, facing, pallium, colobium, Gospels in left; reverse MANOYHΛ ΔECΠ (or similar), Virgin Mary nimbate standing on right wears pallium and maphorium, crowns emperor with right hand, Manuel standing on left, wears divitision, loros, and chlamys, holds labarum and akakia; SOLD
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