Byzantine coin of Manuel I, 1143-1180. Obverse: bust of the Virgin Mary, facing front; she has a halo; she raises her hands in prayer. Reverse: bust of Manuel I, facing front; he wears a jewelled chlamys; to left, he holds a labarum, a military standard; to right, he holds a globus cruciger; to left, inscription says ‘MAИ’. The Virgin Mary is described in the Sear catalogue as the ‘Virgin Orans’, meaning the ‘Praying Virgin’.

• History Of Use

  “Tetarteron” (denomination); Sear# 1970.

• Narrative

  The 'Virgin Orans' was a much copied image in Byzantine art and coinage, and is still found on Ukrainian coinage today.

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• Type of Item coin
• Culture Byzantine
• Material bronze metal
• Measurements height 0.1 cm, diameter 2.1 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 1143 and 1180
• Ownership Date before February 2, 2015
• Acquisition Date on February 2, 2015

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• Item Classes metalwork
• Condition fair
• Accession Number 3095/1533