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 Replies: 13 / Views: 8,923 |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Haven't seen many Byzantine coins lately so I thought I would post a couple from my collection. These are both billion trachy of the emperor Manuel I,1143-1180.   The obverse is Mary enthroned, the Greek letters MP-OV indicate that its Mary. The reverse the figure of the emperor Manual I. it is Sear #1965   The obverse on this coin is Jesus enthroned the letters IC-XC are Greek for Jesus Christ. The reverse is the emperor being crown by a saint. It is Sear #1966. Edited by echizento
10/12/2011 10:52 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
I've not gotten into the Byzantine coins, but I think they are intriguing. Are these what is referred to as cup coins? If I may, where did you obtain these and are they expensive. The earlier Byzantine coins are not so expensive, but most I've seen are not in the best of conditions either. I own two Anastasius, and one each Justinian I and Justin II. None of which are in very good shape.
Nice coins. I'd like to learn more about this era of coins.
JW
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Years ago I bought a large lot of these cup coins from a seller on e-bay. I paid $7.00 apiece for them. In this condition I've seen them sell for any where from $20-$50 each. Some of these coins can be very rare and worth big bucks. In fact my rareest coin is a cup coin. I'll post some images of that later.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
This is my rarest coin a Trachy (cup coin) of the Emperor Theodore Mangaphas 1188-1189, minted at Philadelphia. This coin was in a lot of those trachy I paid $7.00 for. Some consider Mangaphas to be the first king of Bulgaria. There are less than 100 of these known to exist and it is listed as extremely rare. None have ever shown up for sale, so I have no idea as to value.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
I too should know more about Byzantine coins - my initial strategy of only moving forward or back in time from the 3rd and 4th century when 'I know everything and have everything' has resulted in me being here for about 10 years. I could quite easily spend the rest of my life here and still fall far short! These later coins are as beautiful as they are different - I was under the impression they were all very expensive, certainly in good shape. Quote:
100 of these known to exist Very nice! - It looks in good shape too (am I right in thinking this?), most of the offerings on ebay seem very worn |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
There are quite a lot of rare and valueable coins in this series.
Most collectors seem to overlook these coins, it might be that they feel that once the Western Empire feel in 476 the Roman Empire ended. What they fail to see is that empire didn't really end. It shifted from the west to the east and a New Roman Empire begain. The Byzantines considered themselves Romans, they spoke Greek not Latin and were Eastern Orthodox Christians and not Roman Catholics. But all the same they were Romans. So rather stop collecting at the end of the western empire it's only natural to continue with the new empire which opens up another 1000 years of Roman coinage.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
I have lodged a bid for a Phocas solidus (Constantinople) in VF, for $475. I think my bid may be a lttle low. I did that to have an indirect control on my total spend for this auction.
I also have a bid for a Justinian 1 40 nummi follis (Cyzicus),in VF/gVF for $80. Same comments price wise apply.
Even so, I will be quite pleased if I am successful with either or both.
For what they are, both coins are quite attractive by Byzantine standards.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Hopefully you will win both coins.
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New Member
Bulgaria
19 Posts |
Dear echizento,
Theodore Mangaphas is an byzantine usurper in Philadelphia, in Asia Minor.
Some authors thinks your coin belongs to the first emperor of the Second Bulgarian empire - tsar Peter (Theodore) Asen.
Nevertheless, this trachy is RARE and in nice condition. The price is about $300-400.
CLBC, vol.I, # 9.2.1.B
Rarity 3 (from 5)
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Valued Member
279 Posts |
Hi nice coins. I have a trachy and I think they are very interesting: teodorus I founder of nicea's empire...1174 -- 1222.   however even if usually byzantine coins are chepaer than roman sometimes you can also buy some in good condition and the price is quite high like this justinian I have (not cheap I assure you.)   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2044 Posts |
I will keep these coins in mind after I find most of the common Roman Imperial emperors since the price may be affordable. I was thinking about getting a Anastasius I the other day for a reasonable price.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
The style of these coins intrigues me, as they are a departure from Greek and Roman design. Is their origin from the East? They do slightly resemble Sassanian coins.  100 total known? Wow, that is very rare in my book!  |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
No one really knows why this coin type first appeared in constantinople in the early 11th century. But for almost 200 years it remain the main style of coinage.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
I recently sold the Theodore Mangaphas to a private collector for $800. I think this might be the first sale of one of these in a very long time.
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Replies: 13 / Views: 8,923 |
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Posted 10/12/2011 10:50 pm
