Byzantine Coin

While many people marvel at the beauty of the ancient Greek and early Roman coins, the evolution of Byzantine coins presents an interesting lesson in the history of numismatics. Indeed, the shift in coin imagery from pagan to Christian themes reflects the changing values and beliefs of this civilization. The transition point between the Roman and Byzantine eras took place between the 4th and 7th centuries. Most numismatic collectors begin the Byzantine period of coinage with the monetary reform of Anastasius I, in 498 AD. However, the Byzantine monetary system was actually introduced by Constantine I in 309, and it stayed unchanged in weight and purity for six centuries. It was based on the solidus, which was a pure gold coin that weighed. 4.5 grams. The main elements of the monetary system of the late Roman Empire were revived by Emperor Anastasius I in 498. Throughout this period, Byzantine coins came in three basic metal types: gold, silver and bronze. On the obverse of the Byzantine coin, the ruler portrait is presented in a frontal pose without any attempt at characterization. On the reverse, pagan subjects popular during the Roman era are substituted by Christian symbols. This use of the impersonal ruler portrait along with the repertoire of Christian themes are characteristic of Byzantine coin design.For the serious collector, Byzantine coins can be a frugal market, if you select coins with an eye for their resale value. Even if you are not investing for profit, these coins have artistic value. Byzantine coins, like most antique coins, were struck by hand from dies created by talented artisans.