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Follis - Romanos IV Diogenes Constantinopolis
| Issuer | Byzantine Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 1068-1071 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Reverse description | A bold cross potent occupies the centre of the reverse field, with a globus surmounted by two pellets adorning each of the four extremities, creating a distinctive ornamental termination. The letter X appears at the centre intersection of the cross. The four letters C, R, P, and Δ are distributed one in each quadrant formed by the arms of the cross. The overall design is enclosed within a plain circular border, the flan exhibiting the irregular outline and rough surfaces typical of hammered Byzantine copper issues of the mid-eleventh century. |
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| Reverse lettering | C R P Δ |
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| Additional information |
Romanos IV ruled for fewer than four years before the catastrophic defeat at Manzikert in August 1071, where he was captured by Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan — the only reigning Byzantine emperor taken prisoner in battle in centuries. His copper coinage is consequently confined to a narrow window, and many issues circulated heavily through a period of acute military expenditure and frontier collapse. Manzikert effectively ended Byzantine control over Anatolia, the empire's primary recruiting ground and grain supply.