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Issuing authority

Byzantine Empire

The eastern Roman state, with a continuous gold, silver and copper coinage centred on Constantinople.

Kind
empire
Region
Eastern Mediterranean, Europe
Recorded period
AD 330 – 1453

Objects are filed under the historical authority that actually issued or made them. A recorded period comes from the issuer's own reference description and is left blank where no source states it.

Published entries

30

Individual types and documented families

With photographs

100%

30 with a credited real-object photo

Dated span

AD 395 – 1081

30 entries with their own date

Verified or well documented

0

Highest two confidence levels

Sorted by date, earliest first.

Solidus of Arkadios (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.53)

Cleveland Museum of Art

ancient coins

Solidus of Arkadios (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.53)

395–408 CE

The coins shown here include the solidus, the basic gold coin of 24 karats; the tremissis, a gold coin of one-third the weight and value of the solidus; and the nomisma, which in the 10th century replaced the solidus as the standard gold coin. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1968.53: Solidus of Arkadios, 395–408 CE.…

Documented

Partial type record

Semissis of Anastasius I — 2021.37.22

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020

ancient coins

Semissis of Anastasius I — 2021.37.22

491–518

The Metropolitan Museum of Art describes this specimen as Coin, dated 491–518, in Gold. Museum accession: 2021.37.22. Research required: broader type and specialist references remain unconfirmed. Museum note (The Met): Anastasius, who was a respected emperor, is shown in profile upon the coin. The reverse of the co…

Documented

Partial type record

Half Tremissis of Justinian I (Cleveland Museum of Art 2004.149)

Cleveland Museum of Art

ancient coins

Half Tremissis of Justinian I (Cleveland Museum of Art 2004.149)

527–565

This solidus was issued during the reign of Emperor Justin II, successor of Justinian the Great. Cleveland Museum of Art object 2004.149: Half Tremissis of Justinian I, 527–565. Byzantinium, Constantinople, Byzantine period, 6th century. Gold; diameter: 1.5 cm (9/16 in.). Inscribed: (Avers): DNIVSTINI ANVSPPA[VC] (R…

Documented

Partial type record

Byzantine Empire, follis, Justinian I, 527-565

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

modern coins

Byzantine Empire, follis, Justinian I, 527-565

542

Bronze coin on a large flan. Obverse: bust of the emperor in cuirass and diadem, facing, holding a globus cruciger in his right hand. Reverse: between date indication "Anno XV", the letter M [=40, value indication, 40 nummia] with a cross above the letter. In the exergue the letters CON [=Constantinople]. The Rijksm…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus of Justinian I (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.55)

Cleveland Museum of Art

ancient coins

Solidus of Justinian I (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.55)

c. 545–65

The solidus is the basic gold coin of 24 karats; the tremissis, a gold coin of one-third the weight and value of the solidus; and the nomisma, which replaced the solidus as the standard gold coin in the 900s. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1968.55: Solidus of Justinian I, c. 545–65. Byzantium, Constantinople, Byzant…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus (Cleveland Museum of Art 2004.151)

Cleveland Museum of Art

ancient coins

Solidus (Cleveland Museum of Art 2004.151)

565–578

Cleveland Museum of Art object 2004.151: Solidus, 565–578. Byzantine, 6th century. Gold; diameter: 2 cm (13/16 in.). Inscribed: (Avers): DNI VST NVSPPAVI (Revers): VICTORI AAVCCCH and CONOB. It is catalogued in the museum's Medieval Art department under Coins. Credit line: Gift of Dr. Thomas S. and Marion Korllos.…

Documented

Partial type record

Byzantine Empire, follis, Justin II and Sophia, 565-578

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

modern coins

Byzantine Empire, follis, Justin II and Sophia, 565-578

573

Bronze coin. Obverse: the emperor and the empress seated with a celestial orb with cross between them. Reverse: between year designation Anno VIII letter M [=40, value indication, 40 nummia] with a cross above the letter. In the exergue the letters THEUPO [=Theoupolis]. The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus of Maurice Tiberius (Cleveland Museum of Art 2004.150)

Cleveland Museum of Art

ancient coins

Solidus of Maurice Tiberius (Cleveland Museum of Art 2004.150)

583–602

This coin was minted by Maurice Tiberius, an emperor best known for his military prowess and his successes in the war against the Persians. Cleveland Museum of Art object 2004.150: Solidus of Maurice Tiberius, 583–602. Byzantine, 6th-7th century. Gold; diameter: 2.2 cm (7/8 in.). Inscribed: (Avers): DN MAVRC TIbPPAV…

Documented

Partial type record

Follis from the Byzantine Empire of Flavius Tiberius Maurice, 582-602

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

modern coins

Follis from the Byzantine Empire of Flavius Tiberius Maurice, 582-602

586 - 602

Reverse: between year designation Anno VI letter M [=40, value indication, 40 nummia] with a cross above the letter. In the exergue the letters CO.[=Constantinople]. The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as KOG-MP-1-0130; its record gives material recorded as bronze (metal); technique striking (metalworking)…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus, Early Byzantine, 602–610

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

ancient coins

Solidus, Early Byzantine, 602–610

602–610

Solidus in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession 04.35.3356), catalogued by the museum's Medieval Art department. The museum dates it 602–610 and records its origin as Early Byzantine. The museum records the medium as Gold and the dimensions as Overall: 13/16 x 1/16 in. (2.1 x 0.1 cm). Subject tags ass…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus with Heraclius and his Son Heraclius Constantine (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.56)

Cleveland Museum of Art

ancient coins

Solidus with Heraclius and his Son Heraclius Constantine (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.56)

c. 616–625

The solidus is the basic gold coin of 24 karats; the tremissis, a gold coin of one-third the weight and value of the solidus; and the nomisma, which in the 10th century replaced the solidus as the standard gold coin. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1968.56: Solidus with Heraclius and his Son Heraclius Constantine, c.…

Documented

Partial type record

Coin — Emperor Heraclius with his sons Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, Constantinople, ca. 630

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London

modern coins

Coin — Emperor Heraclius with his sons Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, Constantinople, ca. 630

ca. 630

Coin in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number A.2-1964), made in Constantinople, dated ca. 630. The museum's brief description reads: Coin, Gold Solidus, gold, Emperor Heraclius with his sons Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, Byzantine (Constantinople), ca. 630. Museum description: Small gold coi…

Documented

Partial type record

1 Solidus, Byzantine Empire, 659 - 668

National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

modern coins

1 Solidus, Byzantine Empire, 659 - 668

659 - 668

Museum specimen in the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection (NU.68.159.6075), dated 659 - 668, place made: Turkey: İstanbul province, Istanbul. Museum record — Object name in the museum record: coin. Maker or mint: Constans II Emperor of Byzantium. Materials: gold (overall material); overall:.11 cm x 1.93 cm…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus of Constans II and Constantine IV (Cleveland Museum of Art 2012.22)

Cleveland Museum of Art

modern coins

Solidus of Constans II and Constantine IV (Cleveland Museum of Art 2012.22)

659–661

The coin shown here is the solidus, the basic gold coin of 24 karats. Cleveland Museum of Art object 2012.22: Solidus of Constans II and Constantine IV, 659–661. Byzantium. Gold; diameter: 1.9 cm (3/4 in.). Inscribed: VICTORIA AVGU and officina letter (cut off and incomplete).

Documented

Partial type record

1 Solidus, Byzantine Empire, 668 - 680

National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

modern coins

1 Solidus, Byzantine Empire, 668 - 680

668 - 680

Museum specimen in the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection (NU.68.159.6077), dated 668 - 680, place made: Turkey: İstanbul province, Istanbul. Museum record — Object name in the museum record: coin. Maker or mint: Constantine IV Emperor of Byzantium. Materials: gold (overall material); overall:.11 cm x 2.07…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus of Justinian II (685-95), Byzantine, 692–695

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

ancient coins

Solidus of Justinian II (685-95), Byzantine, 692–695

692–695

Solidus in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession 10.130.1495), catalogued by the museum's Medieval Art department under the title “Solidus of Justinian II (685-95)”. The museum dates it 692–695 and records its origin as Byzantine; Constantinople. The museum records the medium as Gold and the dimensions…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus with Tiberius III Apsimarus (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.58)

Cleveland Museum of Art

modern coins

Solidus with Tiberius III Apsimarus (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.58)

698–705

The coins shown here include the solidus, the basic gold coin of 24 karats; the tremissis, a gold coin of one-third the weight and value of the solidus; and the nomisma, which in the 10th century replaced the solidus as the standard gold coin. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1968.58: Solidus with Tiberius III Apsimar…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus of Justinian II (Cleveland Museum of Art 2012.47)

Cleveland Museum of Art

modern coins

Solidus of Justinian II (Cleveland Museum of Art 2012.47)

705

The coins shown here include the solidus, the basic gold coin of 24 karats; the tremissis, a gold coin of one-third the weight and value of the solidus; and the nomisma, which in the 10th century replaced the solidus as the standard gold coin. Cleveland Museum of Art object 2012.47: Solidus of Justinian II, 705. Byz…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus with Justinian II Rhinometus and His Son Tiberius (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.57)

Cleveland Museum of Art

modern coins

Solidus with Justinian II Rhinometus and His Son Tiberius (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.57)

705–711

The coins shown here include the solidus, the basic gold coin of 24 karats; the tremissis, a gold coin of one-third the weight and value of the solidus; and the nomisma, which in the 10th century replaced the solidus as the standard gold coin. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1968.57: Solidus with Justinian II Rhinome…

Documented

Partial type record

1 Solidus, Byzantine Empire, 711 - 713

National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

modern coins

1 Solidus, Byzantine Empire, 711 - 713

711 - 713

Museum specimen in the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection (NU.68.159.5822), dated 711 - 713, place made: Turkey: İstanbul province, Istanbul. Museum record — Object name in the museum record: coin. Maker or mint: Philippicus Emperor of Byzantium. Materials: gold (overall material); overall:.13 cm x 2.04 cm…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus with Leo IV the Khazar and His Father Constantine V Copronymus (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.59)

Cleveland Museum of Art

modern coins

Solidus with Leo IV the Khazar and His Father Constantine V Copronymus (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.59)

c. 751–775

The coins shown here include the solidus, the basic gold coin of 24 karats; the tremissis, a gold coin of one-third the weight and value of the solidus; and the nomisma, which in the 10th century replaced the solidus as the standard gold coin. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1968.59: Solidus with Leo IV the Khazar an…

Documented

Partial type record

Solidus with Romanus I Lecapenus and His Son Christopher (Cleveland Museum of Art 1964.422)

Cleveland Museum of Art

modern coins

Solidus with Romanus I Lecapenus and His Son Christopher (Cleveland Museum of Art 1964.422)

920–944

The coins shown here include the solidus, the basic gold coin of 24 karats; the tremissis, a gold coin of one-third the weight and value of the solidus; and the nomisma, which in the 10th century replaced the solidus as the standard gold coin. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1964.422: Solidus with Romanus I Lecapenus…

Documented

Partial type record

Nomisma with Nicephorus II Phocas (Cleveland Museum of Art 1964.423)

Cleveland Museum of Art

modern coins

Nomisma with Nicephorus II Phocas (Cleveland Museum of Art 1964.423)

c. 963–969

The coins shown here include the solidus, the basic gold coin of 24 karats; the tremissis, a gold coin of one-third the weight and value of the solidus; and the nomisma, which in the 10th century replaced the solidus as the standard gold coin. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1964.423: Nomisma with Nicephorus II Phoca…

Documented

Partial type record

Nomisma with Nicephorus II Phocas (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.60)

Cleveland Museum of Art

modern coins

Nomisma with Nicephorus II Phocas (Cleveland Museum of Art 1968.60)

963–969

The coins shown here include the solidus, the basic gold coin of 24 karats; the tremissis, a gold coin of one-third the weight and value of the solidus; and the nomisma, which in the 10th century replaced the solidus as the standard gold coin. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1968.60: Nomisma with Nicephorus II Phocas…

Documented

Partial type record

Entries by catalogue category

  • Modern World Coins21
  • Ancient Coins9

Counts of published entries only. They describe this catalogue's holdings, not everything the issuer or maker produced.

Dated entries by century

  • 4th century1
  • 5th century1
  • 6th century7
  • 7th century8
  • 8th century4
  • 10th century5
  • 11th century4

Only the 30 entries carrying their own date to within about 150 years are counted, by the earliest year given. These are catalogue holdings, not production totals.

Materials recorded in the physical descriptions

  • Gold27
  • Bronze3

An entry made of several materials is counted once under each. Materials are counted only where the description states them.

Browse other historical issuers and makers in the Atlas, or read how attributions are made in the editorial method.