Does anyone have info on this coin? 1028-34 Byzantium.

fcloud

I am a Mercury Dime Collector (Step one). I post on the US forums mostly. I have this neat gold coin that I purchased at a show this past summer. Can some of the experts over here share some knowledge or comments. Thanks.

Aethelred

Nice to see you over here!

That looks like a Byzantine Solidus, if Civitas isn't along soon with more info I'll drag out the Sear book on Byzantine and see what we can learn.

CIVITAS

Hi fcloud,

I'm at home away from my references, but it seem to be a fairly attractive (scan's a bit fuzzy) gold 'Histamenon Nomisma' of Romanus III.

The obverse depicts a nimbate christ enthroned. The reverse is Mary crowning the emperor, Romanus. Dates are as you described.

Assuming no damage, worth somewhere between $200 and $400 depending on grade and strike.

fcloud

Thanks for the help. Anything more would be appreciated.

BigAlan

Romanus Argyrus became emperor on November 12, 1028. His predecessor, Constantine VIII, had no sons. He gave Romanus two choices:
A. Divorce you wife, marry my spinster daughter, and become emperor upon my death.
or
B: Have your eyes removed.

Romanus married Zoe on November 10 and Constantine died on the 11th.


On April 12, 1034 (Good Friday) Romanus died. The rumor being that someone held his head under water until he died. Within hours Zoe married her second husband, Michael IV, who was 40 years younger than his bride.