CVC & Collectables presents a gold histamenon nomisma struck at Constantinople during one of the most critical and unstable periods in Byzantine history. Issued shortly before the catastrophic defeat at Manzikert, this scyphate gold coin reflects the final attempts of imperial unity, legitimacy, and divine sanction as the empire faced mounting internal division and external pressure from the Seljuk Turks.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: Byzantine Empire
- Emperor: Romanus IV Diogenes
- Reign: AD 1068–1071
- Denomination: Histamenon Nomisma (Scyphate)
- Metal: Gold (AV)
- Weight: 4.30 g
- Mint: Constantinople
- Date: AD 1068–1071
- Reference: Sear 1859
- Grade: NGC Very Fine
- Strike / Surface: 5/5 – 3/5
- Notes: Light marks
Obverse:
Michael VII (center), Constantius (left), and Andronicus (right), all beardless and standing facing on circular footstools. Michael wears a crown surmounted by a cross, saccos, and loros, holding a labarum and akakia. His brothers wear matching ceremonial dress, each holding a globus cruciger and akakia. Double border.
Reverse:
Christ standing facing on a footstool, wearing nimbus cruciger, pallium, and colobium, crowning Romanus IV (left) and Empress Eudocia (right). IC–XC flanks Christ’s head. Double border.
Emperor History:
-
Romanus IV Diogenes: Elevated to emperor through marriage to Empress Eudocia, Romanus sought to restore military strength against Seljuk expansion.
-
Eudocia Makrembolitissa: Widow of Constantine X, she ruled as regent before marrying Romanus to stabilize the empire.
-
Michael VII: Son of Constantine X, shown prominently to assert continuity of the Doukas dynasty.
-
Legacy: Romanus IV was captured after Manzikert, deposed shortly after, and brutally blinded—marking a turning point in Byzantine decline.
Collectibility:
Gold histamenon nomismata of Romanus IV are highly sought due to their short issue period, historical gravity, and complex multi-figure iconography. Scyphate gold coins with Christ crowning the imperial couple represent some of the most symbolically powerful designs in Byzantine numismatics. NGC-certified examples with strong strike quality enhance long-term desirability. Find more alike here!
