AV Histamenon from this Emperor are very common/ but they are hard to find in MS struck from fresh dies. This one was featured in the Goldberg Auction. AV Histamenon ND Constantinople Mint 28mm. 4.38g. 6h Romanus IV Diogenes 1068-71 obv: Michael VII/ flanked by Constantius and Andronicus/ all three standing/ facing on footstools. All holding Labarum and Akakia rev: Christ standing/ facing Crowning Romanus on left/ Eudocia on right/ each holding Globus Cruciger. IC-XC above
Wonderful addition. Romanus IV (1068 - 1071 A.D.) Æ Follis Anonymous Class G O: Bust of Christ facing raising hand and holding Book of Gospels, IC XC in fields. R:Bust of Virgin Mary facing with both hands upraised. 5.41g 25mm SB 1867
Thanks everyone! Definately a "Royal Flush" five members of the Royal Family/ then Christ present to crown the Emperor/ Empress
A lovely coin! Congrats! Here's on of my folles of Romanus IV, Class G, my best example, purchased many a moon ago from Stephen Huston of SF. 11.1 grams My only gold histamenon is that of Isaac I, 1057-1059 AD, standing as if he means business, with a rather large butter knife. This is another old friend from the early 90s.
Amazing Isaac I Histamenon. I have the one where he is holding sword/ from NFA auction. Might have been my first ever Byzantine coin.
Nice coin, @panzerman! Rare to see one of these with both sides well struck. The peculiar way these coins were made can muddle the excellent die work put into them. Here’s the concave aspect, the obverse I suppose, of mine. The reverse just is not as nice. Not sure if it is honest wear, or a worn die, but the reverse illustrates the common problem with these. Now, a question for the class. Are the princes on the reverse standing on shields, in some dim echo of the ceremony which raised one to be an imperator?
Very nice coin Al Most be diff. types/ yours is Sear 1859/ mine Sear 1861/ DOC 2. Thanks! According to data description, they are standing on "Foot stools". I think its worn dies/ yours shows no wear/ circulation. But its tough finding perfect MS Romanus III and IV AV Histamenons. Even Romanus II is scarce in FDC.
John, You're right as Hrefn points out . Your coin has an exergue line on the Michael VII side & all 3 figures have no foot stool.
John, You're right as Hrefn points out . Your coin has an exergue line on the Michael VII side & all 3 figures have no foot stool. View attachment 1442339 View attachment 1442340
