1294–1320 Byzantine Gold Hyperpyron Andronicus II & Michael IX NGC MS 2/3

700-Year-Old Coin Featuring Jesus And Mary

Here’s a gold coin struck in Constantinople during the last tumultuous years of the fading Byzantine Empire. With imagery that invokes both Jesus Christ and Mother Mary, the coin’s designs demonstrate the backwards progression of coinage during this period as Byzantine emperors not only attempted to keep Muslim invaders from breaching the empire’s defenses, but also tried to keep their nation’s economy afloat by debasing the amount of gold in their coins. That downwards progression is revealed in a telling design that shows co-emperors Andronikos II (1259–1332) and his son Michael IX (1277–1320) dressed in full body armor. Prior to this time, only the bust of the Byzantine emperors usually appeared on the coins, but as their enemies closed in, a more defensive stance was taken on their coins.

Certified By NGC In Mint State Condition

Struck in three to four grams of gold, this coin is at least seven centuries old. It was struck during the Middle Ages—a backward period of history that was dominated by religious zealotry. The designs of this coin are certainly a product of the time featuring relatively crude (by Roman standards) designs. The obverse shows the Virgin Mary within the walls of Constantinople, and the reverse shows the two standing emperors crowned by Christ. Although the images on this coin can be difficult to discern, the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) has certified that it is in Mint State (MS) condition and it’s 2/3 strike designation indicates that this coin’s appearance is simply due to a poor strike as opposed to circulation and the ravages of time.

From The Last Dynasty Of The Byzantine Empire

Struck between 1294 and 1320 during the decline of the Byzantine Empire, these silver coins are relics of the first Christian empire as it neared its end. Each is known as a Hyperpyron—a “super-refined” gold coin that had replaced the gold solidus about 200 years earlier with less gold. Following the fall of Rome in 476, the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire continued for another 1,000 years based in its capital at Constantinople. The reign of Andronicus II from 1282 to 1328 marked the beginning of the end for the Byzantines. His son Michael IX was elevated to co-emperor in 1294, a move that didn’t help in the least as Michael proved to be an inept military leader, losing nearly every battle he fought. He also died before his father, supposedly losing the will to live following the successive deaths of his daughter Anna and younger son Manuel, who was “accidently” killed by retainers of his older son, the future emperor Andronicus III.

Family Feud Hastens Decline Of The Byzantines

The Ottoman Turks advanced into Asia Minor, and though Andronicus paid mercenaries to repel the invaders—perhaps using these very coins?—these hired soldiers eventually turned on their employers, further sending the empire spiraling downwards into chaos. In 1328, Andronicus III stormed the gates of Constantinople and forced his grandfather to abdicate. The elder Andronicus had been so upset by the behavior of his grandson and his friends that he disowned the young man. Now, with the tables turned, Andronicus II was exiled to a monastery, where he died in 1332. His grandson would reign until he died of malaria in 1341, leaving his 9-year-old son to rule the rapidly declining empire.

Supplies Are Limited, So Secure Yours Now!

Don’t wait; claim your own authentic, 700-year-old gold portrait of Christ coin struck during the final dynasty of the Byzantine Empire. It’s sure to make an excellent addition to any collection of Byzantine gold. Supplies are limited, however, so secure yours now to avoid disappointment later!