Coin Item Number: 3095/1141 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Byzantine coin of Constans II, 641-668. Obverse: bust of Constans II, facing forwards, with short beard; to left, he holds a long cross; to right, he holds a globus cruciger. Reverse: cross potent above a globe; to left, ‘I’; to right, ‘B’.
History Of Use
“12 nummi” (denomination); DO# 105; Sear# 1027. This type of coin, the follis, is a large bronze coin that was introduced by the Emperor Anastasius in 498, marking a large departure from the Roman system of coinage inherited by the Byzantine Empire. It was the model for bronze Byzantine coinage for 200 years, facilitating small-scale trade and commerce. Originally, the basic follis in Constantinople was a heavy coin worth 40 nummia, with smaller follis parts equaling 20, 10, or 5 nummia. When the coin was debased and made lighter the value of it would decrease. Each provincial mints had their own divisions. In Alexandria the mint continuously produced follis parts worth 12, 6, and 3 nummia, until the province was lost to the Arab conquests. The 12 nummia coin made up the majority of the local small currency, circulating only within Egypt.
Iconographic Meaning
The face of the emperor on coins was a symbol of his authority. Constans II is depicted with a vast beard, marking a return to characterized imperial portraits on coinage. Constans is depicted holding a cross and globus cruciger, signifying the heavenly basis of imperial rule. Both symbols emphasize the Christian nature of the emperor and empire.
Item History
- Made in Alexandria, Egypt between 641 and 646
- Owned by David Herman before February 2, 2015
- Received from David Herman (Donor) on February 2, 2015
What
- Name
- Coin
- Identification Number
- 3095/1141
- Type of Item
- coin
- Material
- bronze metal
- Overall
- height 0.2 cm, diameter 1.7 cm
Who
- Culture
- Byzantine
- Previous Owner
- David Herman
- Received from
- David Herman (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Alexandria, Egypt
When
- Creation Date
- between 641 and 646
- Ownership Date
- before February 2, 2015
- Acquisition Date
- on February 2, 2015
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 3095/1141