The collapse of Iconoclasm during the mid 9th century AD initiated a gradual recovery of Byzantine religious art, which was testified on currency from the latter part of the reign of Michael II (842-67). This is demonstrated by the use of the bust, or enthroned figure of Christ on the obverse of Constantinopolitan coins. Copper alloy pieces bearing such iconography, as seen on this example, appeared in the 10th century AD and became known as the ‘Anonymous Bronze Coinage’. First issued by John I, they replaced folles with imperial portraits, which were only reintroduced almost a century later by Constantine X (1059-67). The Christ/inscription in the four line design of the ‘Anonymous Bronze’ remained unchanged until AD 1028, when these types became increasingly varied, with some showing the bust or figure of the Virgin or a highly ornate cross. This piece dates to the joint reign of Basil II and Constantine VIII (AD 976-1028), under which the Byzantine State reached the zenith of its power.
Byzantine Bronze ‘Head of Christ’ Follis
£ 175.00
A very fine Byzantine bronze follis from Constantinople mint. The coin’s obverse depicts the bust of Christ Pantokrator wearing a tunic and mantle, raising the right hand in benediction and holding the Book of Gospels in His left. A nimbate cross is set behind his head, with a decorative motif on each limb. Most of the original inscription reading ✠ ЄMMA-NOVHΛ is still visible around the top edge of the coin. The letters IC and XC are set in the field at either side of the bust to indicate the mint. The reverse reads the legend ✠ IҺSЧS XRISTЧS ЬASILЄЧ ЬASILЄ, arranged in four lines and adorned by a floral motif at the top and at the base. Written in Roman alphabet, the Greek inscription translates as ‘Jesus Christ, King of Kings’.
Period: Reign of Basil II and Constantine VIII
Provenance: From the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s.
Condition: Very Fine, some wear consistent to age.
SOLD
Weight | 10.27 g |
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Dimensions | L 2.9 cm |
Christian Ideology | Christ, New Testament |
Region | Southern Europe |
Metal | Bronze |
Reference: For a similar item,The Metropolitan Museum, item 50.194.2