Gold nomisma of Constantine IX

Dublin Core

Title

Gold nomisma of Constantine IX

Subject

money; coins (money)

Description

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.

Creator

Constantine IX, Emperor of Constantinople

Source

Sear Byzantine 1830

Publisher

ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau Fall 2021)

Date

1042-1055 CE

Contributor

JT

Rights

University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)

Relation

[no text]

Format

Gold (metal)

Language

Greek

Type

Physical object

Identifier

2012.02.242

Coverage

Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire