Lot 2320
Byzantine Empire. Alexius I, 1081-1118 (Pre-Reform Coinage, 1081-1092). Histamenon Nomisma (electrum or silver, 4.25g), Constantinople Christ, wearing nimbus cr., seated facing on backless throne, holding book of Gospels, crescents on either side of nimbus, double border. Rev. Crowned bust of Alexius facing, wearing jeweled loros and holding hilt of sword in r. hand and plain globus in l., manus Dei in upper field to l., large six-rayed stars in field to l. and to r., double border. Unpublished in all the standard works of reference and extremely rare, one of only three known specimens. Good very fine/almost extremely fine, several hairline flan splits.
This remarkable type invites comparison with the histamenon of Constantine IX (DOC 4) thought to commemorate the supernova of 1054. It seems possible that this coin is also related to some significant celestial event.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
The Christov Family Collection.
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| Realized $2,645 |
