voulgaroktonou

Andronikos I Komnenos, emperor (1183–85). Instead of summarizing the highlights (?) of this violent and unpleasant reign, it might be fun to quote from Charles Diehl’s Figures Byzantines: “In the life of this prince, so brilliant and yet so corrupt, at once an abominable tyrant and a superb statesman, one who could have saved the Empire but only precipitated its ruin, we find combined, as in a magnificent summary, all the essential characteristics, all the contrasts of Byzantine society: that strange mixture of good and evil – cruel, atrocious and decadent, yet also capable of grandeur, energy, and effort; a society which, during so many centuries, in all the troublous times of its history, always succeeded in finding within itself the necessary resources for life and for survival, not without glory.” Billon Aspron Trachy, Constantinople, 1183-85. 3.23 gr. 30.4 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1985 (Sear plate coin); DO 3a. Obv: The Virgin, nimbate, standing facing on dais, holding before Her the nimbate head of the infant Christ. Rev: Andronicus standing facing, with forked beard, holding labarum in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left; on the right, Christ standing facing, crowns the Emperor. Copper Tetarteron, Thessalonika, 1183-85. 4.68 gr. 21.9 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1987; DO 6. Obv: Bust of Virgin, orans, nimbate head of Christ on her breast. Rev: ¾ length figure of Andronikos holding labarum and globus cruciger. Andronikos is distinguished on his coins by his long forked beard. This was considered sufficiently noteworthy to be mentioned by the 12/13 c. historian Niketas Choniates. Here’s another Sear 1985 showing the detail. Isaac Komnenos, usurper in Cyprus (1184–91). Isaac had a varied career as governor of Cilicia, then, as a prisoner, first of the Armenians, then of Bohemund III of Antioch, from whom Andronikos I ransomed him with the Templars' help. About 1183 or 1184, Isaac falsified imperial letters appointing him governor and went to Cyprus where he proclaimed himself emperor. The uniformly hostile sources charge him with tyrannical acts rivaling those of Andronikos I. About 1186 or 1187, Isaac II Angelos dispatched a fleet to regain Cyprus, but Isaac Komnenos defeated the imperial forces. Cyprus᾽s conquest by Richard I Lionheart ended Isaac's rule. Released in ca.1194 after subsequent imprisonment, Isaac went to Ikonion; from there he sought to arouse Turkish and Byzantine opposition to Alexios III. He was reportedly killed by poisoning. Billon Aspron Trachy, Nicosia (?), 1187-91. 3.40 gr. 30.1 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1991; DO 2. Obv., Virgin seated, holding nimbate medallion of Christ on lap. Rev. Isaac and St. George hold a long cross. Copper Tetarteron, uncertain mint, 1187-91. 2.31 gr. 21.3 mm. 7 hr. Sear 1998; DO 10a. Obv. Christ enthroned. Rev. Isaac crowned by Virgin.

Manuel I Komnenos, emperor (1143–1180). Upon his father’s death, Manuel was proclaimed Autokrator. One of the most contradictory figures among the Komnenos dynasty, chivalrous and courageous, Manuel imitated a western way of life; he admired such western institutions as jousts, which became fashionable in Constantinople during his reign. However, many of his contemporaries resented this adoption of western mores, and led to serious disagreements with the Patriarchate. As a sort of Christological pun on his name, Manuel placed the image of Christ Emmanouel on his coins. He died in 1180. Electrum Aspron Trachy, Constantinople, 1143-1152. 3.82 gr. 33.4 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1957; DO2b. Bust of Christ Emmanouel (“God with us”, a name given to the Savior in Matthew 1:23). On the reverse, Manuel is crowned by the Virgin. I usually do not purchase broken coins, but when a small group of these was offered at the price of a MacDonald’s meal, I departed from my custom! 😊 Billon Aspron Trachy, Constantinople, 1167- ca.1180. 3.16 gr. 29.7 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1966; DO 13a. Obverse, Christ enthroned. Reverse, Manuel is crowned by the Virgin. Copper Tetarteron, Constantinople, 1152-1160. 5.69 gr. 22.9 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1968; DO 15. Obverse, standing figure of the Virgin orans. To right, manus Dei (hand of God). Reverse, Manuel standing, holding scepter cruciger and anexikakia. Copper Tetarteron, Thessalonika, 1152-1160. 3.84 gr. 24.8 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1975; DO 18. Obverse, bust of St., George, holding spear and shield; reverse, bust of Manuel, holding labarum and globus cruciger. Copper Tetarteron, Thessalonika, 1143-1152 3.31 gr. 21.1 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1977 (Sear plate coin). DO 20. Obverse, monogram: Manouel, Despotes, Komnenos. Reverse, bust of Manuel, holding labarum and globus cruciger. Half tetarteron, uncertain mint, 1143-1152. 1.75 gr. 18.9 mm. Sear 1979; DO 22. Obverse, brockage of the reverse. Reverse, bust of Manuel, holding labarum and globus cruciger.

Thank you. And I always love your chronological map of the empire!

Although John II Komnenos was formerly proclaimed emperor as a child in 1092, his actual accession to power took place in 1118 on his father’s death, against the wishes of his mother Irene and his sister Anna, who conspired on behalf of her husband Nikephoros Bryennios. John waged successful campaigns against the empire’s enemies in Anatola, and in the west, he crushed the Pechenegs in 1122 and defeated the Serbs and Hungarians in 1127–29. He also attempted to check Venice's growing economic power in the east, but in 1126 was forced to yield to a Venetian naval expedition. In 1143 John died of an injury received in a hunting accident. Electrum Aspron Trachy, Constantinople, 1118-1122. 4.38 gr. 33 mm. 6 hr. Obv. Christ seated on a throne, right hand raised, left holding Gospels. Rev. John and St. George holding long patriarchal cross. Sear 1941; DO 8b Billon Aspron Trachy, Constantinople, 1137-1143. 3.54 gr. 29.3 mm. 6 hr. Obv. Bust of Christ. Rev. Bust of John holding a scepter cruciger in right hand and a globus cruciger in left. Sear 1944; DO 10b Billon Aspron Trachy, Thessalonika, , 1137-1143. 4.06 gr. 27.7 mm. 6 hr. Obv. Virgin seated on throne, holding nimbate head of Christ on her chest. Rev. John standing, holding a labarum scepter in right hand and an anexikakia in left. Sear 1952; DO 11. Copper Tetarteron, Thessalonika, , 1137-1143. 3.75 gr. 18 mm. 6 hr. Obv. Nimbate bust of Christ. Rev. Bust of John holding a jeweled scepter in right hand and a globus cruciger in left. Sear 1953; DO 14b.

Dear Friend Severus, yes, pre the reform, the electrum was little more than silver.

Alexios I Komnenos, emperor (1081 - 1118). Alexios began his career as a general under Michael VII and Nikephoros III. Alexios revolted against Nikephoros and attained the throne with the support of the military aristocracy. At his accession the empire was in dire straits: the Seljuks occupied most of Asia Minor, while the Pechenegs threatened the Danubian provinces, and Robert Guiscard was preparing to attack Constantinople. Alexios acted effectively: in 1081–93 he overcame the Normans and defeated the Pechenegs. When Alexios came to the throne, he inherited a coinage which had become seriously debased over the course of much of the 11th century. He was initially hard pressed dealing with external threats, but by 1092 he had effectively restored stability and was able to carry out a major monetary reform, restoring a gold coin of reasonable fineness in the form of the hyperpyron and creating new fractional denominations of electrum and billon, which with the copper (initially lead) tetarteron were to form the standard coinage of the Komnenian period. Pre reform coinage 1081-1092 Silver Alloy Miliaresion, Constantinople, 1081-92. 1.77 gr. 24.5 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1897; DO 10. Obverse: Virgin orans; reverse: emperor standing, holding long cross and resting hand on sword. Electrum Aspron Trachy, Thessalonica, 1082-87. 4.29 gr. 27.8 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1905; DO 5a. Bust of Christ on obverse; on the reverse St. Demetrius offers to emperor on right a patriarchal cross on a long shaft. Silver Tetarteron, Thessalonica, 1081-87. 3.75 gr. 17.2 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1906; DO 8. Bust of Virgin orans, a small medallion with the infant Christ on her breast / emperor holds a jeweled scepter and globus cruciger. Silver Tetarteron, Thessalonica, 1087-92. 3.85 gr. 18.9 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1907; DO 9. Christ seated on obverse; the reverse has a bust of Alexios holding a labarum and an akakia. Post reform coinage 1092-1118 Hyperpyron, Constantinople, 1092-1118. 4.40 gr. 30.7 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1913; DO 20g. The obverse bears an enthroned Christ; on the reverse, the emperor holds a labarum and globus cruciger. Note the exaggerated beading of his robe in the right field. The coinage reform of 1092 saw the introduction of a gold coin of reasonable fineness of 21 carats. Electrum Aspron Trachy, Thessalonica, 1092-1118. 4.01 gr. 30.1 mm. 4 hr. Sear 1926; DO 23a. The obverse bears an enthroned Christ, but it is almost entirely worn away. A prominent XP graffito was placed, perhaps to replace the worn image of the Savior. On the reverse , the emperor, on the left, is crowned by the Virgin, on the right. Pb. Tetarteron, Constantinople, 1092-3. 5.43 gr. 20.7 mm. 6 hr. Not in Sear; DO 32. This lead tetarteron is a coronation issue celebrating the accession of the young John II as co-Augustus with his father. On the obverse, Christ and John hold a labarum. On the reverse, John’s parents, Alexios and Irene hold a long cross. Pb. Tetarteron, uncertain mint, 1092-3. 2.45 gr. 18 mm. 7 hr. Not in Sear; DO 42. On the obverse, a bust of Christ raises His right hand, and holds in His left, an open Gospel book. On the reverse, the emperor holds a long cross and a globus cruciger.

On the accession of John I Tzimiskes in 969, the follis undergoes a significant change. The emperor’s portrait and titles disappear from the coinage until the reign of Constantine X. Replacing the traditional designs, the coins bear an image of Christ on the obverse, and on the reverse an inscription in several lines proclaiming “Jesus Christ, King of kings”, although several of the later classes feature on the reverse either an image of Mary, or a cross decorated in various ways. This class of coins is known as the Anonymous Folles or Anonymous Bronzes. It is rare that Byzantine historians mention specific coin developments, so it is worth quoting the eleventh century historian, John Skylitzes: “And he [John I] ordered also the image of the Savior to be engraved on the nomisma and the obol [i.e., copper coin], which had not been done before this. And Greek letters were engraved on the other side to about this effect: “Jesus Christ, King of Kings.” And the emperors who succeeded him did likewise.” Although the attribution to John of the creation of the first gold coins with an image of Christ is in error, otherwise the statement is reliable, especially when considering the earliest classes and their occasional overstrikes. No folles are known for John , and the earlier classes are often overstruck on coins of Nikephoros II, Constantine VII, and Michael VIII, for example. Grierson provides a good summary of the coinage in DOC 3:2, pp. 634-47, and the Sear Byzantine book also contains a useful section on the series. Class A1 ca. 970-76. 6.27 gr. 27.8 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1793; DO-A1.6-13. Overstruck on a follis of Nikephoros II. Class A2, var. 5. Ca. 976-1035. 13.86 gr. 32 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1813; DO–A2.21. Class B. Ca. 1030-42. 15.16 gr. 36 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1823; DO-B.1-64. Class C. Ca. 1042-50. 9.09 gr. 31 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1825; DO-C.1-48. Ex Hunt collection. Sotheby’s 6/21/91, lot 228 (part). Class D. Ca. 1050-60. 11.65 gr. 29 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1836; DO-D.1-34. Class E. Ca. 1060. 7.11 gr. 28 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1855; DO-E.1-8. Class F. Ca. 1060-65. 9.77 gr. 28.4 mm. 12 hr. Sear 1856; DO-F.1-15. Overstruck on a Class E follis. Class G. Ca. 1065-70. 9.21 gr. 28.6 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1867; DO-G.1-28. Class H. Ca. 1070-75. 6.65 gr. 27 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1880; DO-H.1-19. Class I. Ca. 1075-80. 9.31 gr. 27 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1889; DO-I.1-64. Overstruck on a follis of Michael VII, whose inscription [MIX]ΑΗΛ RACIΛ Ο Δ is visible on the reverse. Ex Hunt collection. Sotheby’s 6/21/91, lot 228 (part). Class J. Ca. 1080-85. 6.69 gr. 25 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1900(this coin) ; DO-J.1-14. Sear plate coin. Ex Hunt collection. Sotheby’s 6/21/91, lot 228 (part). Class K. Ca. 1085-92. 4.93 gr. 23.8 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1901; DO-K.1-26. Nikephoros Basilakios rebelled against Nikephoros III Botaneiates, 1077-78. The emperor’s forces besieged Thessalonike, where the rebel was entrenched but the population surrendered him and he was blinded. Follis, Thessalonike, 1077-78. 5.23 gr. 24.5 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1890; DO 2c (Bryennios). Bust of Christ / patriarchal cross between C – B / N - B Grierson, in DOC 3:2, pp. 833-35 discusses the reasons for attributing the issue between Basilakios and Bryennios.

Constantine X (1059-67) Mint of all coins is Constantinople. 2/3 Miliaresion, 1.42 gr. 22.4 mm. 4 hr. Sear 1851; DO 6 var.; BNP 4-9; BM 9 var.; R. 2013 var. Although lacking a portrait of Constantine, the reverse inscription invokes the Virgin’s aid for “Constantine Doukas, the Despotes”. Follis, 7.56 gr. 29 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1853; DO 8; BNP 1-29; BM 18-31; R. 2021-24. The reverse features standing figures of Eudokia and Constantine, holding a labarum. Follis, 6.32 gr. 28.5 mm. 4 hr. Sear 1854; DO 9; BNP 31-43; BM 32-37; R. 2018-19. On the reverse is a bust of the emperor, holding a cross and akakia. Romanos IV, (emperor 1068-71). Mint of all coins is Constantinople. 2/3 Miliaresion, 0.88 gr. 18.3 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1864; DO 6a; BNP 1. As on the first coin above of Constantine X (Sear 1851), although lacking a portrait of Romanos, the reverse inscription invokes the Virgin’s aid for “Romanos Diogenes, the Despotes”. 1/3 Miliaresion, 0.75 gr. 16.2 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1865A; DO 7; BNP 2 (Romanos III) ; BM 8. The emperor’s bust on the reverse holds a patriarchal cross and globus cruciger. Follis, 7.64 gr. 29 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1866; DO 8; BNP 1-5; BM 9-13; R. 2030-31. Although lacking the emperor’s portrait, the four letters C R P Δ surrounding the cross are to be understood as: ΣTAYPΕ BOΗΘΕI PΩMANΩ ΔΕΣΠOTΗ: Σταυρε βοηθει Ρωμανω Δεσποτη = Oh, Cross, aid Romanos, the Despotes. (The letter “Β” in epigraphy of the period has the form of “R”.) Michael VII (emperor 1071-78) Mint of all coins is Constantinople. Histamenon Nomisma. 4.31 gr. 28 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1868; DO 2c; BNP 1-10; BM 5-7. The emperor on the reverse holds a labarum and globus cruciger. Histamenon Nomisma. 4.37 gr. 28.3 mm 6 hr. Sear 1869; DO 1; BM 1. Reverse all as before. Tetarteron Nomisma. 3.99 gr. 18.6 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1872; DO 5b; R. 2044. On the reverse, Michael and Maria hold a long cross. Miliaresion. 1.88 gr. 24.1 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1873; DO 7b; BNP 1; R. 2036. The reverse displays a standing Michael holding a long cross and sword. Miliaresion 1071-78. 1.91 gr. 23 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1874; DO 6b2 var. BNP 2; BM 17; R. 2047. Ex Hunt collection. Sotheby’s Dec. 5-6, 1990, lot 858. Interestingly, the obverse inscription hearkens back to the famous vision of Constantine and the heavenly cross, as expressed n mid 4th c. coins in Latin as well as under Constans II in the 7th c. in Greek: Hoc signo victor eris and Εν τουτω νικα. Here we have: ΕΝ ΤΟΥΤΩ ΝΙΚΑΤΕ ΜΙΧΑΗΛ ΚΑΙ ΜΑΡΙΑ: Εν τουτω νικατε Μιχαηλ και Μαρια = Michael and Maria, in This conquer. This Constantinian reference is found on several miliaresia of different reigns of this period, for example, that of Nikephoros III, the last coin below. Michael VII (emperor 1071-78) Mint of all coins is Constantinople. 2/3 Miliaresion, 1.41 gr. 20.5 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1875; DO (11b); BNP 6; BM 21. As in the next coin, the reverse invokes the Virgin’s aid for “Michael Doukas, the despotes”. 2/3 Miliaresion, 1.29 gr. 21 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1876; DO 8.2 var. BNP 7 var. R. 2037 Follis, 4.53 gr. 26 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1878; DO 14a; BNP 1-11; BM 24-25; R. 2041. The reverse depicts a bust of Michael holding a labarum and globus cruciger. Half Follis, 2.86 gr. 22 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1880A; DO 15. This is the last bronze issue that is a fractional part of a follis. Reverse as before. Nikephoros III, (emperor 1078-81) Histamenon Nomisma, 4.35 gr. 30.2 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1881; DO 3b; BM 7-9; R. 2051. The reverse has a figure of Nikephoros holding a labarum and globus cruciger. Miliaresion, 1.43 gr. 23.2 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1886; DO 6. Like the miliaresion of Michael VII (Sear 1874) above, the obverse features busts of Nikephoros III and Michael’s widow, now wife to his successor, with the same “Constantinian” legend, the name Nikephoros now substituted for that of Michael: ΕΝ ΤΟΥΤΩ ΝΙΚΑΤΕ ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΕ ΚΑΙ ΜΑΡΙΑ: Εν τουτω νικατε Νικηφορε και Μαρια.

Constantine VIII, 1025-28. The first two are a repeat from the previous post; this time Constantine VIII is in the spotlight, although the coins were struck while his brother Basil was de facto senior Augustus. Tetarteron, Constantinople, ca. 1005-1025. 4.22 gr. 19.8 mm. 7 hr. Sear 1806; DO 15b; BNP 19-20; BM 5-6; R. 1940. On the reverse, busts of Basil, bearded and his brother Constantine, beardless. They hold together a patriarchal cross. Miliaresion, Constantinople, 977-89. 2.74 gr. 25.8 mm. 11 hr. Sear 1811; DO 18a; R. 1947. Busts of Basil and Constantine as before, on either side of a patriarchal cross on steps. Romanos III Argyros , emperor (1028–34). On his deathbed Constantine VIII married his daughter Zoe to Romanos, who ascended the throne on Constantine’s death. However, the new emperor soon proved unequal to the task. Imagining himself a great general, a second Trajan, Romanos forced a quarrel on the emir of Aleppo and in midsummer 1030 marched on that city. This resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the Romans and the emperor only survived by a hasty retreat to Constantinople. In Syria only the efforts of George Maniakes resulted in Roman victories. In vain Romanos tried to continue Basil II's aggressive policy in Sicily. Romanus had also been having long-standing difficulties with his wife Zoe which had begun when the couple were unable to conceive due to their advanced ages. Both Romanus and Zoe took lovers, and historians claim that Zoe poisoned Romanus and later had him killed in his bath in order to put her lover, the future Michael IV, on the throne. Romanus III Argyrus, Histamenon Nomisma, Constantinople, 1028-34. 4.40 gr. 24.7 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1819; DO 1b.8; BM 1-3; R. 1973. Romanos was devoted to the Virgin Mary, who is pictured crowning the emperor on the reverse. Romanus III Argyrus, Constantinople, 1030. AR Miliaresion, 2.83 gr. 25 mm. 7 hr. Sear 1822; DO (3b.1) = ANS Inv. 1030.1963.38.1 Although unfortunately holed and slightly bent, this is a coin I never thought to own until a recent lucky acquisition. The emperor’s devotion to the cult of the Virgin is evident by the obverse figure of the standing Theotokos (bearer of God) holding an infant Christ. This image is known as the Virgin Hodegetria (“She who shows the way”), and is derived from a famous icon of the type alleged to have been painted by St. Luke himself. On the reverse, Romanos is portrayed standing, holding a patriarchal cross and a globe surmounted by a patriarchal cross. The associations of the Hodegetria were military in nature. It had long been the custom before setting out on a military expedition for the general to pray for protection and victory before this precious icon. If the issuance of this remarkable coin is linked to the ill executed attack on Aleppo in 1030, well, what can I say? In addition to its beauty, I have always been drawn to this coin for its inscription, starting on the obverse and continuing to the reverse: + ΠAPΘЄNЄ COI ΠOΛVAINЄ / OC HΛΠIKЄ ΠANTA KATOPΘOI. (My dear friend @Valentinian has repeatedly urged me to write Greek in capitals, as he maintains these are familiar to more people than regular sentence case; although I don’t find this true for myself, I bow to his helpful suggestion. 😊) This beautiful inscription is special because it is metrical – it’s a hexameter verse (think Homer and Virgil), reading: “Παρθενε σοι πολυαινε, ος ηλπικε παντα κατορθοι” ("In you, Virgin much-praised, he who has hoped, makes all things upright)". While metrical inscriptions appear with regularity on Byzantine seals, there are only two instances of verse legends on the coinage. As Joan Fagerlie noted of the remarkable instance of the metrical inscription of this coin in her ANS MN 1964 article: A miliaresion of Romanus III and a nomisma of Michael IV, : “Only one other instance is known in the Byzantine series - that of an iambic trimeter legend on an issue of Constantine IX…” An example of this coin (Sear 1834) is below. Alas, save for Constantine IX, I lack signed coins of the period Michael IV – Isaac I. Hope to see some from other posters! Constantine IX Monomachos, emperor (1042–1055). Following a brief period of instability during the joint rule of Zoe and Theodora upon the death of Michael V, Constantine, who had been exiled to Mytilene by Michael IV was recalled to wed Zoe (11 June 1042) and crowned the next day. Although under his reign literature and the arts flourished, the Empire was less successful in handling external threats. An event that would prove disastrous in the long run was the schism between the eastern and western churches. Constantine IX, Monomachos, Constantinople, 1042-55. Miliaresion. 2.73 gr. 30 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1834; DO 7b; BNP 1-7; BM 17; R. 1989. As noted in the Fagerlie article above, this is the only other instance of a metrical inscription on a Byzantine coin. As on the Romanos III example, the inscription begins on the obverse and continues to the reverse: ΔΕCΠΟΙΝΑ CΩΖΟΙC / ΕΥCΕΒΗ ΜΟΜΟΜΑΧΟΝ (Δεσποινα σωζοις ευσεβη Μονομαχον = “Lady, save the pious Monomachos.”) Constantine IX, Monomachos, Constantinople, 1042-55. Two thirds Miliaresion. 2.10 gr. 25 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1835; DO8a; R. 1990. Holed and plugged in antiquity.

Romanos II associated his sons Basil (II) and Constantine (VIII) with himself on the throne in 960 and 962 respectively, while they were infants. During the reigns of his two successors Nikephoros Phokas and John Tzimiskes, the two young Basileis were both kept in the background, under the care and watch of a succession of guardians. Following the death of Tzimiskes in 976, Basil II (976–1025) ruled with his brother Constantine VIII until Basil’s death in 1025. From then until his own death in 1028, Constantine ruled alone. The two brothers could not have been more dissimilar in temperament. Like their father Romanos II, Constantine was content to enjoy a life of imperial idleness. He was especially devoted to chariot racing and the theater; his brother Basil, on the other hand, was a ruler of action and ambition, and spent his entire reign initially quelling internal rebellions, and, internal stability having been restored, extending the empire’s frontiers, destroying the kingdom of Bulgaria and absorbing it into the empire. Under Basil’s reign, the medieval eastern Roman Empire reached the zenith of its extent and power. Basil was planning an aggressive action against Arab held Sicily and even the western empire when he died in 1025. Tetarteron, 4.22 gr. 19.8 mm. 7 hr. Sear 1806; DO 15b; BNP 19-20; BM 5-6; R. 1940. On the reverse, busts of Basil, bearded and his brother Constantine, beardless. They hold together a patriarchal cross. Miliaresion, 2.74 gr. 25.8 mm. 11 hr. Sear 1811; DO 18a; R. 1947. Busts of Basil and Constantine as before, on either side of a patriarchal cross on steps.

Although John I Tzimiskes, emperor (969–76) obtained the throne by betraying and murdering his patron Nikephoros Phokas, he, too, was an exceptional military leader and served the empire well during his reign. Under him, imperial forces scored notable victories in both the west, against Svjatoslav, prince of Kiev, and in the east, against the Fāṭimids, forcing Damascus to pay tribute and capturing Beirut. Perhaps worn out by a hard life spent in campaigning, he died in 976. Miliaresion, Constantinople, 969-76. 2.84 gr. 22. 5 mm. 1 hr. Sear 1792; DO 7a; BM 5; R. 1919. On the reverse appears a bust of John within a circle. As the coinage progresses later in the tenth century, the tall, elegant epigraphy of the legends on the miliaresia gives way to letters that are small and squat. In spite of the treacherous manner in which he obtained the throne, John’s piety is attested in our sources; this indeed is reflected in his abandonment of the imperial portrait and title from the bronze coinage, instituting a new series bearing a bust of Christ on the obverse and a religious inscription or bust of the Virgin on the reverse. Imperial portraiture on the bronze does not resume until the reign of Constantine X (1059-67).

Great! SO glad you mentioned Liutprand - he's a wonderful source.

Following the death of Romanos II in March 963, Nikephoros II Phokas was proclaimed emperor on July 2 by the support of the army, the military aristocracy, the church hierarchy, and with the support of the people of Constantinople. Soon thereafter he married Romanos’ widow Theophano, who had been acting as regent for her young sons Basil and Constantine. Under his competent leadership, the Byzantines retook vast eastern territories that had been lost centuries earlier to the Arabs. In addition, Cyprus was restored to the empire. However, these victories were won at great expense, which gradually caused him to lose the support of the people. Nikephoros was murdered on Dec. 10, 969, by a plot of his former supporters, including John Tzimiskes and his own wife Theophano. Miliaresion, Constantinople, 963-9. 2.51 gr. 22 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1781; DO 6; BNP 1-8; BM 6-7; R. 1913. Follis, Constantinople, 963-9. 7.92 gr. 23.3 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1783; DO 7; BNP 2-5; BM 9-12; R. 1915.

These are great coins, @Severus Alexander! Thanks for the kind words on the pattern. It's holed, but I like it.

Constantine VII, Porphyrogennetos, although the legitimate emperor since 913, had been kept in the shadows for over three decades by the aggrandizing Romanos I and his three sons. It was only on the popular reaction against the two surviving Lekapenoi following their deposition of their father in Dec. 944 / January 945, that the long suffering Augustus came into his own. Soon after this he created his son Romanos (II) co-Augustus and the two reigned together until Constantine’s death in 959. An ineffectual ruler himself, he was fortunate to rely on the services of the outstanding generals Nikephoros Phokas and John Tzimiskes, the former of whom would function as regent for his 2 sons and shortly thereafter attain the throne himself after Romanos’ death. Constantine’s talents and interests lay in intellectual and artistic pursuits. He contributed much to the systematization of knowledge and encouraged the compilation of encyclopedic works drawn from earlier sources; he also encouraged historical writing, although he is best remembered today for his works on the empire's administrative system and its foreign relations: De administrando imperio, De thematibus, and De ceremoniis. In addition to his literary interests, he was also a talented painter, and he keenly studied architecture; he is known to have engaged in carpentry, sculpting, as well as in gold- and silversmithing. On his father’s death in 959, Romanos (II) became sole Augustus; he reigned until his death in 963. Like other Basileis before him, Romanos was satisfied to enjoy the perks of the throne, while relegating its burdens to others, such as his minister Joseph Bringas, as well as to Nikephoros Phokas and John Tzimiskes. The real power behind the throne was his ambitious and ruthless second wife Theophano. He died of a hunting accident in 963. Romanos’ greatest gift to the Empire was his son Basil (II). Constantinople is the mint of the first three coins; that of the fourth is Cherson Solidus, 945-59. 4.36 gr. 20 mm. Sear 1751; DO 15; BNP 15-22; BM 60-61; R. 1905. The reverse features Constantine VII and his son Romanos II. Follis, 945-50. 6.14 gr. 26. 3 mm. 6 hr. Ser 1761; DO 26; BNP 55-64; BM 45-57; R. 1900-1903. Bust of Constantine VII. Follis, 950-59. 4.60 gr. 26 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1762; DO 27; BNP 65-69; BM 70-76; R. 1907-1909. Busts of Constantine VII and his son Romanos II. Cast copper, 959-963. 3.44 gr. 21 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1775; DO 3a; BNP 1-4; R. 1891. In lieu of a portrait, a cruciform monogram of Romanos: ΡωΜΑ. Ex Hunt collection, Sotheby’s 6-21-91, lot 227 (part).

Romanos I Lekapenos, emperor (920–44) was from an obscure Armenian family. He pursued a naval career and eventually was made droungarios (admiral) of the fleet. His ultimate ambition was to gain the throne. During the regency of Constantine VII’s mother Zoe, he married his daughter Helen to the young emperor Constantine VII in 919. He rapidly increased his influence over the young Basileus and in Dec. 920 had himself crowned co-Augustus. Relegating the Porphyrogennetos to the background, he crowned his sons Christopher, Stephen, and Constantine co-emperors in order to diminish Constantine VII's role. At one point during this period, there were five co-Augusti sharing the throne (which likely had to be considerably widened on state occasions). @Valentinian’s web site has a clear and concise explanation of the plurality and overlapping of rulers during this time. http://augustuscoins.com/ed/Byz/ConVII.html Although Romanos’ rise to rule was unscrupulous, he served the empire wisely for over 20 years. His strong and competent hand restrained an aggressive Bulgarian threat and fostered the growth of a dynamic foreign policy that was to culminate in the eventual apogee of the state under the later Basil II. On Dec. 20, 944, Romanos I was dethroned by his sons Stephen and Constantine, fearful that their father was starting to look more favorably on Constantine VII. They sent Romanos to a monastery, only to be overthrown in their turn by popular support for the Porphyrogennetos a little over a month later. Mint of all is Constantinople Miliaresion, 921-931. 2.57 gr. 24.8 mm. 11 hr. Sear 1754; DO 18; BNP 1-3; BM 41; R. 1894. The order of precedence here is Romanos, his favorite son Christopher, and lastly Constantine VII Miliaresion, 931-944. 2.87 gr. 23.5 mm. 1 hr. Sear 1755; DO 20; BNP 4-9; BM 42; R, 1895-96. On the reverse, a medallion portrait of Romanos is in the center of the cross. The order of precedence here is Romanos, Constantine VII, Stephanos, and Constantine Lekapenos Pattern Solidus, 943. 3.23 gr. 20.5 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1742A; DO 9; Füeg 9. m. 3 B. On the reverse, busts of Romanos I and Constantine VII. While DO gives this pattern piece to 931, Füeg (Corpus of the Nomismata from Anastasius II to John I in Constantinople, 713-976) pushes the dating to 943 based on seals of the reign, the smaller size of the letters, and the fact that the emperors’ names are linked by the Greek cε (και) instead of the Latin “εt” of earlier issues. The numismatic evidence for the reign is noteworthy for the number of pattern coins struck in silver or copper for types that were not officially adopted. The DO catalog lists three types of pattern solidi, of which this is one. There is also the famous pattern miliaresion of Romanos I =Sear 1756. Although noted in DOC as (19), a specimen was formerly lacking there, but due to a friend’s generosity, the collection now has an example. Follis, 931-944. 6.62 gr. 27.1 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1760; DO 25b; BNP 31-54; BM 19-24. Bust of Romanos I.

Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos (the term means “purple born”, i. e., a child born to a reigning emperor) was raised to the throne as co-Augustus by his father Leo VI in 908 at the age of 3. On his father’s death in 912, he shared the throne with his dissolute uncle Alexander, and on the latter’s death in 913, became sole Augustus. The young emperor had a limitless curiosity and was given to intellectual and artistic pursuits, but for nearly four decades, Constantine remained in the background, with actual power wielded by a succession of powerful regents, including the Patriarch Nicholas Mystikos, his mother the Empress Zoe, then by the ambitious Byzantine admiral Romanos Lekapenos. Once Romanos forced himself upon the throne at the end of 920, he soon relegated the Porphyrogennetos to the background, and raised three of his sons to the rank of Augusti in preference to the legitimate emperor. The coinage reflects this with a proliferation of their names, which we shall see in the next installments Although our theme has been illustrations of the emperors on their coins, because I seldom collect gold, this jockeying for power can be best illustrated on a few miliaresia, where their names are displayed in order of rank. Mint of all coins is Constantinople Constantine and Zoe. Follis, 914-919. 6.95 gr. 24.7 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1758; DO 22; BNP 1-24; BM 1-6; R. 1883-85 Constantine alone. Miliaresion, 914-21. 3.13 gr. 25.7 mm. 12 hr. Sear 1752; DO 16 Constantine alone. Follis, 920-31 . 7.22 gr. 25 mm. 4 hr. Sear 1759; DO 23; BNP 25-30; BM 11-13; R. 1898-99. Ex Hunt collection, Sotheby’s 6/21/91, lot 226.

Thank you, @Sand, I love your time line maps!

If his predecessor, Basil I, can be summed up as a “man of deeds”, Leo VI emperor (886–912) preferred literary pursuits. For this reason, contemporaries referred to him as the Wise or the Philosopher. Under his administration, centuries of Roman legal compendia were codified under such works as the Basilika, the Novels of Leo VI, the Book of the Eparch, and the Kletorologion. These works were invaluable in bringing Roman law to the West. In addition, a military manual was published under his name and it has come down to us as the Taktika of Leo VI. Sadly, focusing on his intellectual pursuits, Leo neglected military and international affairs. The empire suffered catastrophic defeats at the hands of the Bulgarians; in 902 the last imperial foothold in Sicily, Taormina was lost to the Arabs; and Thessalonike, the most important city after Constantinople, was sacked and razed to the ground by Leo of Tripoli. Foreshadowing the dynastic concerns of a later monarch, Henry VIII, Leo’s lack of a male heir and the death of his first 2 wives caused the emperor much concern and severely destabilized the imperial court and its relations with the Church. His third and more so, his fourth and final marriage caused a major struggle between emperor and patriarch; Leo was, in fact, for a time prohibited from entering Hagia Sophia. Fortunately, his fourth wife Zoe Karbonopsina bore him a son, who would become Constantine VII. Leo shared his throne with his brother Alexander, who was perfectly satisfied to leave the responsibilities of rule to Leo while he enjoyed the good life his position afforded. Whenever I think of Alexander, I always recall the lines of Yeats’ “Sailing to Byzantium”: Once out of nature I shall never take My bodily form from any natural thing, But such a form as Grecian goldsmiths make Of hammered gold and gold enamelling To keep a drowsy Emperor awake; Or set upon a golden bough to sing To lords and ladies of Byzantium Of what is past, or passing, or to come. Mint of two top coins is Constantinople; that of the third coin below is Cherson. Follis, 886-912. 7.14 gr. 27 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1730; DO 6; BM 11-12; R. 1875. Leo and his brother Alexander. Follis, 886-912. 9.19 gr. 26.6 mm. 7 hr. Sear 1729; DO 8; BNP 14-55; BMC 8-10; R. 1873. Leo alone. Cast AE, 886-912. 1.89 gr. 17.4 mm. 12 hr. Sear 1732; DO 10. Ex collection @Valentinian. Bust of Leo.

Beautiful coins, my friend! (My wife would say otherwise, she preferring earlier Roman and Greek).

Basil I, emperor (867–86) and founder of the Macedonian dynasty, gained the throne by treachery as cruel as it was ungrateful in the murder of his patron and friend Michael III. However, during his reign of nearly 20 years, he was to prove one of the most capable and dynamic Basileis on the throne since Justinian I three centuries before. Of obscure origin, the new emperor showed himself to be concerned with fiscal administration and justice for the poor. He also built many new structures and refurbished older buildings suffering from neglect. His armies returned much of southern Italy to imperial control, although this has to be balanced against the loss of Sicily to the Arabs. He created his favorite son Constantine co-Augustus in 868, but on the young man’s death in 879, the emperor plunged into depression from which he never recovered. He also raised to the throne his other sons Leo (VI), in 870 and Alexander, in 879, although he detested the former, to the point of having him imprisoned for a time. Basil died of a hunting accident in 886. Follis, uncertain (?) mint, 868-70. 5.75 gr. 29 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1721 (uncertain mint); DO (8b) = BM 11. Basil is here portrayed with his favorite son Constantine, who died in 879. The DO catalog gives the issue to Constantinople, while Sear suggests an uncertain mint. Follis, Constantinople, 870-79. 6.18 gr. 25 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1712; DO 11; BNP 12-18; BM 22-23; R. 1865. Basil, in center, is flanked by his 2 sons Leo and Constantine. Follis, Constantinople, 879-886. 7.77 gr. 27 mm. 5 hr. Sear 1709; DO 12; BNP 1-4; BM 8-10; R. 1851. Leo is portrayed here alone, enthroned. Ex Hunt collection, Sotheby’s June 21, 1991, lot 226 (part). Semissis, Syracuse, 868-79. 1.04 gr. 13 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1714; DO 14a; R. 1859. The obverse depicts Basil; the reverse, his son Constantine. This highly debased “gold” coin is among the last issues of Byzantine Syracuse, the city falling to the Arabs in 878.

It might not be too unfair to claim that Michael III, emperor (842–67) was his father’s opposite, just as Theophilos had been to his father, Michael II. For nearly the first decade and a half of his reign, Michael was kept in the background during his mother Theodora's regency (842–56). At age 16, with help from the Caesar Bardas, Michael deposed the regents Theodora and her favorite Theoktistos and became sole emperor on 15 Mar. 856. While kept in the shadow of power as a youth, Michael spent his time in “wild living” - drinking, and enjoying banquets, horse races, and other amusements, and sadly, once on the throne without opposition, continued to spend his energies and time on the same. However, he and the empire were both fortunate to have reliable ministers doing the real work of administration and defending the empire during his reign. Michael fell under the sway of an Armenian peasant named Basil whom he brought into the palace and on whom he showered ever greater titles, until ultimately sharing the imperial throne with him in 866, but shortly thereafter Basil had him murdered in his palace bedroom the night of 23/4 Sept. 867. Mint of coins on the top row is Constantinople; of that on the bottom row, Syracuse. Miliaresion, 842-56. 1.84 gr. 22.7 mm. 12 hr. Sear 1690; DO 5; BNP 1-4; BM 8; R. 1842. Having no coins with portraits of Michael’s mother and sister, Theodora and Thecla, I can only offer a miliaresion with their names. (On a personal note, before the birth of our younger daughter, I lobbied unsuccessfully for naming her Thecla. My wife would have none of it. ☹) Follis, 866-67. 9.11 gr. 27 mm. 6 hr. Sear 1693; DO 8; BNP 1-5; BM 11-12; R. 1849; T. 18. Ex Hunt collection, Sotheby’s Dec. 5-6, 1990, lot 476. The obverse depicts Michael III, while the reverse bears a bust of Basil, his newly made co-Augustus and murderer/successor. Noteworthy of this issue is the novel use of Latin (Michael Imperat[or] and Basilius Rex), which had ceased to be the dominant language employed on the coinage since the introduction of Greek on the miliaresia introduced by Leo III. This revival of Latin was in answer to an insulting response issued by Pope Nicholas I in a letter to Michael dated 865. In an earlier letter from Michael to the Roman Curia, the emperor had written that Latin was a “barbarous and Scythian” language. The Pope replied “iam vero, si ideo linguam Latinam barbaram dicitis, quoniam illam non intelligitis, vos considerate, quia ridiculum est vos appellare Romanorum imperatores et tamen linguam non nosse Romanam.“: “Now in truth, if therefore you call the Latin language barbarous because you do not understand it, consider that it is foolish to call yourselves emperors of the Romans but yet not know the Roman language.” This coin was evidently struck to prove the survival of a knowledge of Latin at the imperial court. Half Follis, Syracuse, 842-867. 2.18 gr. 17.9 mm. 7 hr. Sear 1697; DO 13. Grierson notes in DOC 3:1, p. 469” “The denomination is doubtful, the coin may be a reduced follis of the period 856-67.”

Justinian I was the last emperor, I seem to recall, for whom Latin was his first language. In the generations that followed his death, as ties with the Latin speaking west become tenuous, so also does the use of Latin increasingly disappear. Coinage clings to tradition, so Latin continues for several centuries on the coinage, but with a subtle mixture of Greek, and often both languages are represented with inappropriate letter forms. A quick glance at Constantine Porphyrogennetos' 10th c. Book of Ceremonies shows Latin phrases that have become fossilized in imperial acclamations, etc. I'll dig some examples out in the next day or so and share them. They are a lot of fun! But two coins that illustrate the 2 languages: Heraclius, Sear 801. The reverse better illustrates the use of Latin (the obverse being simply the names of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine). The legend, Deus adiuta Romanis (God aid the Romans) is pure Latin albeit in a mixture of Greek and Latin letter forms. Compare to this miliaresion of Theophilos, Sear 1661, which is in Greek, save with again, a mixture of Greek and Latin letters: Obverse: (this is difficult to try to reproduce on my keyboard +ΘεοFI / LOS δυLOS / ΧRISτυ S PIS / τOS εh AVτO bASILευ' RO / mAIOh - proper Greek below: (note the "S" before PIS, is not the letter "S". It is a manuscript abbreviation stroke for the connecting word και) Θεοφιλος δουλος Χριστου και πίστος εν Αυτω βασιλευς Ρομαιων (Theophilos, servant of Christ, and in Him, emperor of the Romans) Reverse: IhSυS XRIS τυS hICA Ιησους Χριστος νικα (Jesus Christ conquers)