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Sunday, April 10, 2016

TRACES OF BYZANTIUM

Coins from the Byzantium era.
800-1100 AD - What a busy time in history. 

Charlemagne, king of the Franks, is crowned "Emperor of the Romans" by Pope Leo III in Rome. For the first time in 300 years, there is an emperor of the "East" and an emperor of the "West". The use of Icons is restored. The Great Schism: The Latin Roman Church and the Greek Orthodox Church excommunicate each other.  Lots of invasions. And the first Crusade is off and running. 

But everyday business still held center stage, which of course revolves around money.  Coins played a huge role in beliefs.  

These coins were minted at a time surrounding the end of the first millenium (or "THE" millenium to the ancients), and it was "known" far and wide that the world was about to end. 

So, everyone got super pious and brought religion into every aspect of their everyday lives... even making their coins, front and back, carriers of the image and message of God. It is said that upon the eve of December 31, 999 AD (the first Y1K), everyone packed into churches to spend the night, just to make sure they got a good spot on the way up to heaven.

Another story says that the Byzantium Rulers openly showed that they were subservient to Jesus Christ and made it clear in a way everyone could understand.

Naturally Rome was upset because the split in the Church meant no money for the Pope. So it was quite a struggle throughout the years. 

Yet, the people believed in Jesus and showed their faith even on their money. These coins were made between 969 and 1067 when rulers John 1, Romanus III, Michael IV and Constantine X Duca reigned. 

Images on the coins are difficult to see because they are so worn. But it shows a bust of Christ wearing a nimbus crown, a halo with a cross, holding a book of the Gospels. Some coins of this era were "struck over" with different images. These were not.

The back of the bronze coins proclaim Jesus Christ King of Kings. One shows a cross on three steps. The power of symbolism.   

"The value of an ancient coin primarily depends on its scarcity and state of preservation, far less on its metal content, and not at all on its age. The serious coin collector should be prepared to pay big money for Byzantine coins of good quality. However, the re-enactor who just wishes to own an artefact from his/her period of interest will find the lesser coinage quite affordable," says http://members.ozemail.com.au/~chrisandpeter/coins/coins.html 

These aren't rare coins and their monetary value is minimal. 

But as a history buff, these coins are important to me. History is everywhere. Especially in coins. And, they are definitely a conversation starter when bezeled and worn as a necklace showcasing one of the most fascinating eras in history. 

I feel so very lucky to have these. 

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