Gold nomisma of Constantine IX
money; coins (money)
This gold nomisma, minted between 1042 and 1055 CE, shows Christ wearing a cross and in one hand holding the gospels. On the reverse Constantine IX holds a globes crucigar (cross on a globe) in one hand and a military standard (labarum) in the other. The emperor of this time was viewed as kind of conduit between Christians and God. Just from this coin, a lot can be learned about the hierarchy of the Byzantine Empire. First and foremost was Jesus and God, but a close second was the emperor. This sort of visualization of divine sanction is seen throughout the pagan and Christian Roman empire.
Constantine IX, Emperor of Constantinople
Sear Byzantine 1830
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau Fall 2021)
1042-1055 CE
JT
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Gold (metal)
Greek
Physical object
2012.02.242
Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire
Gold Tremissis (1.48g) of Tiberius II Constantine
money; coins (money)
The obverse side of the coin features Tiberius II Constantine himself, whose name asserts a connection to Constantine, one of the greatest and most well-liked Roman Emperors in history. The reverse side features a cross potent depiction which is commonly seen on coins from Byzantium. Both the obverse and reverse sides of the coin work together to reinforce Tiberius’ desire to be like Constantine and to prove his devotion to Christianity.
Tiberius II Constantine
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
578-582 CE
Tatum Whiteford
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
gold (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2019.04.013
Byzantine Empire, Eastern Roman Empire
Solidus of Constans II
money, coins (money)
A bust of emperor Constans II is on the obverse. He was born Heraclius Constantinus Augustus. Constans was a nickname that eventually became standard in text. He is holding a globus cruciger or a cross. On the reverse side, the cross on the steps represents the great cross that emperor Theodosius II erected in Golgotha, which is the crucifixion site. The cross may symbolize the devotion to christianity the Romans or specifically Constans felt.
Constans II, Emperor of Constantinople
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
641-668 CE
NF
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Gold (metal)
Greek
Physical Object
2019.04.012
Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire
Solidus of Maurice Tiberius
money, coins (money)
This coin illustrates a frontal bust of Emperor Maurice of Constantinople (lived 539-602 CE) on its obverse side. The coin depicts Maurice in a Christ-like fashion--he is clean shaven, does not have distinguishing facial features, and holds a cross in his right hand. The coin’s reverse illustrates a clothed angel holding a globus cruciger (an orbed crucifix symbolizing world dominion) and a curved crucifix staff.
Maurice Tiberius, Emperor of Constantinople
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
582-602 CE
JS
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Gold (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2019.04.011
Byzantine Empire