Byzantine Empire. Constantine IX Monomachus. (1042-1055 AD) Histamenon Nomisma. NGC MS (Mint State) Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5, "die shift". Constantinople Mint. Gold. 27mm. 4.40gm. 6h. Sear-1830.
On the obverse, the bust of Christ faces outward within a nimbus cruciger, a crescent in its upper quadrant, wearing pallium and colobium, raising his right hand in benediction, and with a book of Gospels in his left arm, "+IhS XIS RЄX RЄΣNANTInm" around, all within triple border. On the reverse, the bust of Constantine IX faces outward with mustache and short beard, wearing crown with pendilia and loros of square pattern, cruciform scepter in right hand, globe surmounted by pelleted cross in left, "+CΩhST-ATh-bASILEЧS Rm" around, all within triple border.
Rex says, "A superbly struck piece with exquisite detail, especially on the reverse. The die shift is noted by NGC on the label, but is negligible and does not detract from the overall appeal. It is visible as a faint doubling of the outline of Christ's hair directly to the left of his head."
NGC Certification Number: 4884582-031
To make an offer for this piece, or for any inquiries, please contact us via email at info@rexrarities.com.