Histamenon Nomisma - Constantine VIII

Đơn vị phát hành Byzantine Empire (Byzantine states)
Năm 1025-1028
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Histamenon (1)
Tiền tệ Second Solidus Nomisma (720-1092)
Chất liệu Gold
Trọng lượng 4.4 g
Đường kính 26 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo BCV#1815 , DOC III-2#1-2
Mô tả mặt trước Nimbate bust of Christ facing, cross with two crescents in halo, wearing tunic and holding the gospels.
Chữ viết mặt trước Greek
Chữ khắc mặt trước + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺm
(Translation: Jesus Christ, King of Kings.)
Mô tả mặt sau Crowned mid-length bust of emperor facing, holding long cross, wearing loros and holding labarum.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau + CWnSTAnTIn bASILEVS ROM
(Translation: Emperor Constantine)
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (1025-1028) - -
ID Numisquare 4052667720
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This Histamenon Nomisma was issued during the brief, independent reign of Constantine VIII (1025-1028), following his brother Basil II's death. After decades as co-emperor, Constantine's short rule marked a pivotal transition for the Byzantine Empire. His administration relaxed Basil's strictures, yet the empire remained stable. This coinage represents the immediate aftermath of the Macedonian dynasty's zenith, preceding an era of increasing political instability.

Artistry: The design adheres to established iconographic traditions of the late Macedonian period, from the Imperial mint of Constantinople. The obverse features Christ Pantocrator enthroned, frontally depicted, holding the Gospels. The reverse portrays Constantine VIII standing, holding a long cross and akakia, crowned by the Virgin Mary, signifying divine legitimacy. Figures exhibit characteristic Byzantine elongation and hierarchical composition, with drapery rendered in a schematic imperial style.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a broad (26mm), relatively flat gold flan weighing 4.4 grams, this coin typically exhibits a strong central strike. High-points for wear or strike weakness include Christ's facial features and Gospel details on the obverse, and the emperor's face, crown, and the Virgin's depiction on the reverse. Byzantine gold often shows some flan irregularity, slight off-centering, or minor double-striking, common manufacturing characteristics rather than flaws.

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