Byzantine coin of Manuel I, 1143-1180. Obverse: bust of the Virgin Mary, facing front; she has a halo; she wears a pallium, which is a woolen cloak, and a maphorium, which is a type of medieval wimple worn by women; she raises her hands in prayer; to left, inscription says ‘MP’; to right, ‘ΘV’. 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 ‘MAИɤ’; to right, ‘ΔECΠ…TИ’. The inscription on the obverse in translation says ‘Mother of God’. The Virgin Mary is described in the Sear catalogue as the ‘Virgin Orans’, meaning the ‘Praying Virgin’.

• Narrative

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

• History Of Use

  “Tetarteron” (denomination); Sear# 1970.

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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 3095/1538