Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature Sale 3056 3 Aug 2017
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Romanus III Argyrus (1028-1034). AV histamenon nomisma (24mm, 4.43 gm, 7h). NGC Gem MS★ 5/5 – 5/5. Constantinople. +I hS XIS RЄX RЄςhANTIhM, Christ enthroned facing, raising hand in blessing and holding Gospels / ΘCЄ bOHΘ' RωMAhω, standing figures of Romanus, wearing loros of square pattern, four pellets on fold of robe, holding globus cruciger in left hand, and the Virgin Mary, nimbate, wearing pallium and maphorium, who reaches up with right hand to crown Romanus, M Θ between them. Sear 1819. DOC 1c. Well struck from dies of beautiful style, this is unquestionably the finest coin of its type we have encountered and likely, condition-wise, the finest Byzantine gold piece, fully deserving of the rarely bestowed NGC Gem MS★ rating.
Romanus III could look and act like an emperor, but lacked any hint of a backbone and was easily dominated by his wife and courtiers. Still, his general George Maniaces won a series of victories in Syria and, as yet, the Empire was under no imminent threat, so the illusion of strength sustained. Though of no great importance as a ruler, Romanus III produced one of the more attractive Byzantine gold coins, depicting a regal seated figure of Christ Pantocrator backed with his own portrait receiving a blessing from the Virgin Mary. The design proved highly influential and was copied by future emperors well into the 13th century.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 5000-6000 USD
Romanus III Argyrus (1028-1034). AV histamenon nomisma (24mm, 4.43 gm, 7h). NGC Gem MS★ 5/5 – 5/5. Constantinople. +I hS XIS RЄX RЄςhANTIhM, Christ enthroned facing, raising hand in blessing and holding Gospels / ΘCЄ bOHΘ' RωMAhω, standing figures of Romanus, wearing loros of square pattern, four pellets on fold of robe, holding globus cruciger in left hand, and the Virgin Mary, nimbate, wearing pallium and maphorium, who reaches up with right hand to crown Romanus, M Θ between them. Sear 1819. DOC 1c. Well struck from dies of beautiful style, this is unquestionably the finest coin of its type we have encountered and likely, condition-wise, the finest Byzantine gold piece, fully deserving of the rarely bestowed NGC Gem MS★ rating.
Romanus III could look and act like an emperor, but lacked any hint of a backbone and was easily dominated by his wife and courtiers. Still, his general George Maniaces won a series of victories in Syria and, as yet, the Empire was under no imminent threat, so the illusion of strength sustained. Though of no great importance as a ruler, Romanus III produced one of the more attractive Byzantine gold coins, depicting a regal seated figure of Christ Pantocrator backed with his own portrait receiving a blessing from the Virgin Mary. The design proved highly influential and was copied by future emperors well into the 13th century.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 5000-6000 USD