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Basil II and Constantine VIII Gold Tetarteron Nomisma, obverse

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Byzantine

Basil II and Constantine VIII Gold Tetarteron Nomisma

Basil II and Constantine VIII · Macedonian Renaissance

Christ’s commanding portrait and the paired emperors Basil II and Constantine VIII express the sacred and dynastic foundations of Macedonian power.

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Object number
AG-005
Date
AD 976–1025
Denomination
AV Tetarteron Nomisma
Material
Gold
Weight
4.20 g
Grade
AU · Strike 5/5 · Surface 5/5
Certification
NGC Ancients

Record completeness

Evidence, made visible

  • Object identityDocumented
  • Physical recordPartly documented
  • AttributionPartly documented
  • Legends & imageryNot recorded
  • ProvenanceNot recorded

The Story Behind the Strike

Basil II’s long reign brought military expansion and formidable central authority, while his brother Constantine VIII remained the junior colleague represented beside him. Their shared coin portrait communicated continuity even though practical power rested overwhelmingly with Basil. The tetarteron was a lighter gold denomination introduced within the evolving monetary system of the period. Christ occupies the principal face; the brothers stand together with the patriarchal cross on the other. The coin makes governance a sacred trust and dynasty a visible instrument of stability.