Byzantine Coins
The Byzantine Empire, often referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire, emerged as a distinct entity with the founding of its capital, Byzantium, later known as Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD. This marked a crucial shift in the center of Roman power and had profound implications for the currency and cultural expressions within the empire.
The gold solidus, known for its purity and reliability, was the backbone of Byzantine coinage. It featured a variety of emperors, but the portrayal of Christ on a coin was a remarkable departure from tradition. One of the most renowned coins from this era is the gold coin of Justinian II, which bore the image of Christ on the obverse side. This striking depiction of Christ on a coin was a significant divergence from the conventional practice of featuring the reigning emperor. It added a unique spiritual dimension to the currency, symbolizing the blend of temporal and divine authority in the Byzantine Empire.