A.D. 1071-1078 Gold Byzantine Empire Christ/Michael VII NGC XF

Ancient Gold Coins Over Nine Centuries Old Bearing The Image Of Jesus Christ

­When striking coins for the masses, the emperors of the Byzantine Empire wanted to make sure they were associated with the highest power imaginable while also promoting their piety. That's why they struck coins featuring the face of Jesus Christ. It's probably no coincidence that during this time the outer edges of the Byzantine Empire was being aggressively chipped away by the Seljuq Turks and for the next 100 years or so the Empire lobbied for Papal support in assembling a coalition to oust the Turks from the Holy Land.

The ancient Byzantine coins we have here were struck in 4.39 grams of gold sometime between A.D. 1071 and A.D. 1078 more than 945 years ago. ­The obverse features a bust of Jesus Christ, wearing a cross nimbus (cross with halo) behind his head, holding a Book of Gospels. ­The reverse features a crowned half-length bust of King Michael VII Doukas (1050-1090), wearing loros (a traditional Byzantine royal garment) holding a labarum (banner) and globus cruciger (cross on a globe).

The Byzantine Emperor Who Was Less Than All He Could Be

Michael VII first became Emperor at the age of 17 upon the death of his father, but for the most part the empire was ruled by his mother and uncle. Yet, even after he was re-crowned full Emperor 4 years later in 1071, he much preferred academic interests to the duties of rule and left most of the governing to his finance minister. He retired seven years later to a monastery and later became archbishop of Ephesus. His nickname, "Parapinakes," says much about his reign. The literal translation of the moniker means "minus a quarter" in Greek, a reference to the fact that the value of Byzantine currency had been reduced by a quarter under his rule and due to his less-than-adequate leadership and the overall weakness an incompetence of his reign.

Only 11 Coins Available So Act NOW!

Each coin available in this offer was authenticated by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), one of the leading third-party coin grading services in the world and graded in Extremely Fine (XF) condition. To think these coins lined the pockets of folks almost 1,000 years ago is really mind-blowing! We have a total of 11 of these coins and that's it, so act now!