Histamenon Nomisma - John II Komnenos (Constantinopolis) ND (1118-1143) front Histamenon Nomisma - John II Komnenos (Constantinopolis) ND (1118-1143) back
Histamenon Nomisma - John II Komnenos (Constantinopolis) ND (1118-1143) photo
© HerveMonaco (CC BY-NC-SA)

Histamenon Nomisma - John II Komnenos Constantinopolis ND

 
Electrum 4.3 g 30 mm
Description
Issuer
Byzantine Empire (Byzantine states)
Emperor
John II Komnenos (1118-1143)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1118-1143
Value
Histamenon nomisma (⅓)
Currency
First Hyperpyron Nomisma (1092-cca. 1300)
Composition
Electrum
Weight
4.3 g
Diameter
30 mm
Shape
Concave
Technique
Hammered (scyphate)
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#362869
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

John II Comnenus crowned and wearing divitision and chlamys on left, St. George nimbate in military dress and holding sword on right, both standing facing, holding patriarchal cross between them with 3 steps at base of cross.

Scripts: Greek, Latin

Lettering:
Iω ΔECΠOTH
Θ ΓεωΡΓε

Translation:
John, Despot.
Saint George.

Comment

Letters of the reverse inscription are often retrograde.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Histamenon Nomisma coin is that it was used as a form of currency during the Byzantine Empire, which was a vast and influential empire that lasted for over 1,000 years. The coin was made of electrum, a rare and valuable metal that was highly prized for its durability and beauty. The coin's design features an image of John II Komnenos, the emperor who ruled the empire from 1118 to 1143, and its value was set at 4.3 grams of electrum. This coin was an important part of the Byzantine Empire's economy and was used in trade and commerce throughout the empire's territories.