Coin

MOA: University of British Columbia

3095/1558

Byzantine coin of Isaac II, 1185-1195. 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; on her breast, there is a small head of Christ as an infant; she raises her hands in prayer; to left, inscription says ‘MP’; to right, ‘ΘV’. Reverse: bust of Isaac II, facing front; he wears a chlamys; to left, he holds a cruciform sceptre; to upper right, there is a ‘Manus Dei’, which is a representation of the hand of God; to left, inscription is in three lines, and says ‘ICA/AKI/OC’. The inscription on the obverse in translation says ‘Mother of God’.

  • History Of Use

    “Tetarteron” (denomination); Sear# 2004.


  • Type of Item coin
  • Culture Byzantine
  • Material bronze metal
  • Measurements height 0.2 cm, diameter 2.0 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner David Herman
  • Received from David Herman

  • Made in Istanbul, Constantinopolis

  • Creation Date between 1185 and 1195
  • Ownership Date before February 2, 2015
  • Acquisition Date on February 2, 2015

  • Item Classes metalwork
  • Condition fair
  • Accession Number 3095/1558