2300

Byzantine Empire. Isaac I, 1057-1059. Gold Histamenon N

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Coins: Ancient Start Price:200.00 USD
Byzantine Empire. Isaac I, 1057-1059. Gold Histamenon N
Byzantine Empire. Isaac I, 1057-1059. Gold Histamenon Nomisma (4.43g), Constantinople. Christ, wearing nimbus cr., seated facing on backless throne, his r. hand raised in benediction and holding book of Gospels in l., double border. Rev. Isaac, crowned and wearing military attire, stg. facing, holding drawn sword in r. hand, his l. resting on scabbard, double border. DOC 2; Sear 1843. Extremely Fine, an excellent example of this controversial type.

This remarkable reverse type occasioned much adverse comment at the time as it seemed to imply that Isaac believed he owed his throne to his military prowess rather than to divine intervention (cf. DOC III.2, pp. 759-60).
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
The Christov Family Collection.

Our item number 146180