2264

Byzantine Empire. Constantine VII and Romanus II, 945-9

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Coins: Ancient Start Price:800.00 USD
Byzantine Empire. Constantine VII and Romanus II, 945-9
Byzantine Empire. Constantine VII and Romanus II, 945-959. Gold Solidus (4.42g), Constantinople. All as lot 2261, but the bust of Christ shows his r. hand held horizontally and turned inwards in benediction, while a fold of the drapery is wound round and conceals his l. hand which holds a book of Gospels with unusually decorated cover with large jewel (?) at center. Apparently unpublished with this obverse variant, but for an almost identical bust of Christ on the coinage of Romanus II (959-963) see the unique solidus in Dumbarton Oaks (DOC 2, pl. XL). Nearly Extremely Fine, a unique and intriguing piece.

This highly unusual variant of the bust of Christ appears to have been introduced at the very end of the joint reign of Constantine VII and his son and to have continued in use at the start of Romanus II's brief sole reign.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
The Christov Family Collection.

Our item number 148070