18. Histamenon Coin, Roman III Arghir, Byzantine Empire, 1028-1034, gold

Obverse: Jesus Christ in iconic style, blessing, with the Gospel in hand – a symbol of divine protection. Reverse: Roman III and Empress Zoe together, with crosses and imperial insignia – legitimizing imperial power through divine will. Nomisma histamenon was the standard gold coin of Byzantium, successor of the famous Roman solidus. The term histamenon means "standard" or "fixed", to differentiate it from other types of coins, such as the tetarteron, introduced by Roman III's predecessors. During a relatively stable period, maintaining the value of the gold coin was crucial for the internal and external trade of the Empire. Issuing quality nomisma histamenon guaranteed the merchants' confidence. The coin was a powerful medium to promote the emperor's image. The coins of Roman III show him alongside Jesus Christ or Empress Zoe, underscoring the legitimacy and divine support of his reign. The issuance of gold coins was a right reserved exclusively for the emperor. Each gold piece marked the authority and continuity of Byzantine imperial power. Byzantine coins circulated throughout the Mediterranean world and even in Central Europe and Asia. A nomisma histamenon was not just a coin, but also an ambassador of the Empire.

Dimensions

custom d=23 mm

Description

gold

PROVENANCE

The coin was purchased from an auction house in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The owner has all the acquisition documents, and copies of these, with personal data and prices erased, will be made available to the buyer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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