First purchase in 2016: Stavraton

About the last century of Byzantium’s lifespan, a new sort of denomination took form which was purely of silver: Stavraton.

Stavraton could be separated in 3 denominations by their weight: Fully Stavraton of about 8 gram, and then 1/2 and 1/8 respectively about 4gram and 1 gram.

If you want to buy a Stavraton of the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine 11, the price would be from 18000USD up to 80000USD.

Fortunately for me I can just purchase a Stavraton of the third last Byzantine emperor for a considerably considerably considerably much much much lower price.

Here a half Stavraton of Manuel II with two different images:




Here the Byzantine "Empire" during Manuel II''s reign:


After the Latin sack of Constantinople in 1204 Byzantium practically never ever recovered.

 

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Here the same type coin in a better grade(not mine):




(Source: http://www.coinarchives.com/a/results.php?results=100&search=Manuel+II)

 

Honestly never heard of the denomination, they almost look like larger Ottoman coins at quick glance with the lines.

Interesting coins and read.

 

I know I have shown this one too many times but it is my only example. This Stavraton (Lianta), half hyperpyron (CNG) or just hyperpyron (Sear) depending on where you read - 6.6g - is ex CNG 51. I was attracted to it because the letters IWAN on the outer circle at top show confirming that this is the cheap John VIII rather than the expensive Constantine XI which starts KW. John VIII's coins are lighter than those of Manuel II but much, much better made than those of Constantine. If you have read the history of the last years of the Byzantine Empire you may understand why things looked tougher for Constantine. I am amazed at the decent silver and workmanship of my coin. Many are really poorly made.

 

Great coin, Herberto! "Empire" indeed - not much left during Manuel II's reign. I was fully expecting Doug to pull an example out of his pocket.

 

is stavraton the same as 1/2 hyperpyron?

 

In some books but consistency in naming these could be better.

 

I love threads which contain coin types I have never heard of before. The medieval/ Ottoman connection seem evident in the styling of all those wonderful coins (stavraton or hyperpyron).