Byzantine coin made of electrum, of Michael VII, 1071-1078. Obverse: bust of Christ, facing front; he has a nimbus cruciger around his head, which is a cross within a halo; he wears a colobium, which is a religious tunic, and a pallium, which is a type of woolen cloak; he raises his right hand in benediction; in his left hand, he holds the Book of Gospels, which is decorated with dots; to left, inscription says ‘IC’; to right, ‘XC’. Reverse: bust of Michael VII, facing front; he wears a crown with cross and a loros, an embroidered and jewelled scarf; to left, he holds a labarum, a military standard; to right, he holds a globus cruciger; to left, inscription begins with a cross, and says ‘MIXAHΛ’; to right, ‘RACIE’. The inscription on the obverse in translation says ‘Jesus Christ’.

• History Of Use

  “Histamenon” (denomination); DO# 2; Sear# 1868.

• Narrative

  This coin has been confirmed by XRF spectrum analysis to be made of electrum, which is a naturally occurring alloy of gold, silver, and copper, used in the ancient world for coins and jewelry.

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• Type of Item coin
• Culture Byzantine
• Material gold alloy metal
• Measurements height 0.3 cm, diameter 3.0 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner David Herman
• Received from David Herman

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• Made in Istanbul, Constantinopolis

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• Creation Date between 1071 and 1078
• Ownership Date before February 2, 2015
• Acquisition Date on February 2, 2015

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• Item Classes metalwork
• Condition good
• Accession Number 3095/1447