Andronikos II and Michael IX Basilikon

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by The Trachy Enjoyer, Apr 3, 2021.

  1. The Trachy Enjoyer

    The Trachy Enjoyer Well-Known Member

    Andronicus II Palaeologus, with Michael IX AD 1282-1328.
    Constantinople, Basilikon AR
    Obverse: KVPIE BOHΘEI; IC XC / Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing, right hand in benediction
    Reverse: AVTOKPATO-PEC PWMAIWN / Andronicus and Michael standing facing, holding labarum between them.
    DOC 513, SB 2402. 1,93g.
    F2DB390C-1F40-49CC-A8A8-D95750DC5444.png
    5A431F86-4D7B-4021-A368-F280CD8D27EE.png
    4532DB54-FD37-4853-8F2F-94B1964C3893.png
    This Basilikon doesn’t have the best strike with many flat areas but I was able to get it for under $40!

    With Italian (and specifically Venetian) silver starting to take hold across the Mediterranean as the universal currency, Byzantium had to answer. The Basilikon (βασιλικόν) translates to Imperial Coin (Basileus being the term for King/Emperor). This denomination stands out with comparative Byzantine coinage in terms of both purity and abundance.

    It was first minted by Emperor Andronikos II to pay for the Catalan Company mercenaries hired to fight the Seljuk Turks. The rate of value was 12-15 basilikons to AV Hyperpyron.
     
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2021
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. DiomedesofArgos

    DiomedesofArgos Well-Known Member

    I really like how clear the writing is on the right side of the coin. Congrats!
     
    The Trachy Enjoyer likes this.
  4. +VGO.DVCKS

    +VGO.DVCKS Well-Known Member

    Really cool coin, @The Trachy Enjoyer. What leapt out at me first was the similarity in module to grossos. Love that reverse legend.
     
    The Trachy Enjoyer likes this.
  5. ancient coin hunter

    ancient coin hunter 3rd Century Usurper

    Nice coin @The Trachy Enjoyer - good design especially for a later piece in the Empire's history...
     
    The Trachy Enjoyer likes this.
  6. Quant.Geek

    Quant.Geek Well-Known Member

    Seems to have been a massive hoard of these coins that flooded the market. It brought the prices down substantially. I was able to pick up a few varieties of these coins, but $40 is still a pretty good deal for a basilikon...
     
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page