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Michael VIII Gold Hyperpyron, obverse

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Byzantine

Michael VIII Gold Hyperpyron

Michael VIII · Restored Palaiologan Empire

The Virgin within Constantinople’s walls faces Michael VIII, celebrating the restoration of the capital and the birth of the Palaiologan dynasty.

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Object number
AG-037
Date
AD 1261–1282
Denomination
AV/EL Hyperpyron
Material
Gold / Electrum
Grade
AU
Certification
NGC Ancients

Record completeness

Evidence, made visible

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

The Story Behind the Strike

Michael VIII Palaiologos recovered Constantinople in 1261, ending the Latin occupation and establishing the dynasty that would rule until 1453. His hyperpyron turns that event into sacred political theatre. The Virgin appears within the city walls as protectress of Constantinople; the emperor occupies the other face within a religiously charged composition. The gold-electrum fabric reflects the diminished resources of the restored state, but the imagery is deliberately triumphant. The object proclaims that city, faith and emperor have been reunited after exile.