Lot 167
Romanus II. Gold Solidus (4.12 g), 959-963. Constantinople, 959. + IhS XPS REX REGNANTIVM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels; nimbus with three pellets in arms of cross. Reverse: Illegible (recut), Crowned busts of Constantine VII, with short beard, and Romanus II, beardless, holding patriarchal cross between them. F. Füeg, "Vom Umgang mit Zufall und Wahrscheinlichkeit in der Numismatischen Forschung," MI 76 (1997), pl. IV, B4; DOC III - (but cf. DOC 15 of Constantine VII); SB -. A magnificent bold strike with underlying luster. NGC grade Ch AU*; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Edge marks. Estimated Value $3,000 - UP
A coin of great interest and rarity, apparently a new discovery, as this unpublished type was struck at the very beginning of the reign of Romanus II and continued the types of his father, Constantine VII, whose dies he reused for this issue after recuting the reverse legend. Romanus did not care for the exertions of government, so left the decisions of the government in the hands of his wife, Theophano, and various court administrators, most notably Joseph Bringas. His reign was thankfully short, lasting less than four years, and he was the last Byzantine ruler to strike the solidus denomination before the tetarteron was introduced by his successor, Nicophorus II.
Cover Coin
(A forthcoming article on this coin is being prepared by David Vagi).
Ex The William Oldknow Collection.
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| Realized $4,320 |
