Classical Numismatics Discussion
  Welcome Guest. Please login or register. 10% Off Store-Wide Sale Until 2 April!!! Explore Our Website And Find Joy In The History, Numismatics, Art, Mythology, And Geography Of Coins!!! Expert Authentication - Accurate Descriptions - Reasonable Prices - Coins From Under $10 To Museum Quality Rarities Welcome Guest. Please login or register. 10% Off Store-Wide Sale Until 2 April!!! Explore Our Website And Find Joy In The History, Numismatics, Art, Mythology, And Geography Of Coins!!! Support Our Efforts To Serve The Classical Numismatics Community - Shop At Forum Ancient Coins

New & Reduced


Author Topic: John II Comnenus aka John the Beautiful. A collection.  (Read 623 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Simon

  • Comitia Curiata
  • Procurator Caesaris
  • Caesar
  • ****
  • Posts: 1134
  • Tetartera Collector
    • Byzantine Tetartera
John II Comnenus aka John the Beautiful. A collection.
« on: December 26, 2022, 07:18:11 am »
John II is one of least known Emperors because he was successful in keeping the edge over his enemies and keeping the peace amongst his allies.

 His sister Anna is one of the main reasons his history is a bit scarce, she loved her father and barely mentioned her brother in her historical writings, she had attempted to have him overthrown upon his succession to the thrown and it was unsuccessful, and he had her live the rest of her life in a convent. I would suspect her final revenge over her brother was to ignore him and his accomplishments during his 25 year rule.

It was said if he had lived just a few years longer the empire would have been stronger and would have surpassed the empire of the 11th century but a hunting accident with a poison arrow shortened his rule.

His nickname was given to him because of his pious ways, in real life he was considered unattractive.

 

In regard to his coinage, the 25 year rule the coinage was kept simple, he followed his father's coin reform within some notable case increases the purity levels that were originally decided upon. In fact, his coinage creates a bit of a problem with coin collectors because John III thought it would be a good idea to copy the Hyperpyron coinage held in such esteem, he copied legends that John III had no right to. Such as being born in the purple basically , he was born to rule. Elaina Lianta wrote a paper that the conclusion was there is no visual way to tell the difference, only the purity of John II coins were at 20 carats and John III at 17 carats.

Here is a near complete collections of his coinage, I chose not to add a few pieces because they were so difficult to determine on the web that they were attributed correctly. The missing are Thessalonica Hyperpyron issues SBCV-1949 and SBCV-1950, the trick to the Thessalonica issues are they are slightly thicker with a slightly smaller die. The two Thessalonica Hyperpyron issues I do have were purchased from reputable auction houses. (CNG and Classica Zurich)

The following has every example (With the exception of the two noted above.)  Every coin was pictured in scale so you can see how each denomination compared side by side.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=5633 My main collection of Tetartera. Post reform coinage.

Offline Simon

  • Comitia Curiata
  • Procurator Caesaris
  • Caesar
  • ****
  • Posts: 1134
  • Tetartera Collector
    • Byzantine Tetartera
Re: John II Comnenus aka John the Beautiful. A collection.
« Reply #1 on: December 26, 2022, 07:20:22 am »
This is a denomination tray, again, in scale.  Hyperpryon, Electrum Aspron Trachy, Billion Trachy, City Tetarteron, Tetarteron , Half Tetarteron
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=5633 My main collection of Tetartera. Post reform coinage.

Offline Tracy Aiello

  • Caesar
  • ****
  • Posts: 445
Re: John II Comnenus aka John the Beautiful. A collection.
« Reply #2 on: December 26, 2022, 11:38:07 am »
Magnificent presentation.

Tracy

Offline Virgil H

  • Caesar
  • ****
  • Posts: 1404
Re: John II Comnenus aka John the Beautiful. A collection.
« Reply #3 on: December 26, 2022, 05:28:00 pm »
Beautiful presentation and very interesting history and coins.

Virgil

Offline Joe Sermarini

  • Owner, President
  • FORVM STAFF
  • Caesar
  • *****
  • Posts: 12103
  • All Coins Guaranteed for Eternity.
    • FORVM ANCIENT COINS
Re: John II Comnenus aka John the Beautiful. A collection.
« Reply #4 on: December 26, 2022, 09:01:45 pm »
Nice collection and I enjoyed the short history. Thanks for sharing.
Joseph Sermarini
Owner, President
FORVM ANCIENT COINS

Offline wileyc

  • IMPERATOR
  • Caesar
  • *****
  • Posts: 1426
    • Forum gallery:
Re: John II Comnenus aka John the Beautiful. A collection.
« Reply #5 on: December 26, 2022, 11:48:29 pm »
well done, thank you.

Offline joma-tk

  • Caesar
  • ****
  • Posts: 889
Re: John II Comnenus aka John the Beautiful. A collection.
« Reply #6 on: January 03, 2023, 04:29:05 am »
Excellent!
Thank you.

tk

 

All coins are guaranteed for eternity