Byzantine Empire
The Sacred Imagery of Constantine VII’s Gold Histamenon Nomisma
A gold coin on which theology, ceremony and succession become inseparable.
10 min readRead
The Ancient Gold Journal
Stories Struck in Gold
Essays on coinage, rulers, sacred imagery and the responsibility of collecting objects that have survived history.
Collection Discovery
Browse the catalogue by context
Journal Section
Featured Essay
Constantine’s Solidus: An Imperial First
How a stable gold denomination became an enduring language of imperial authority.
Read the essay
From the Collection
Latest Essays
Collecting
Ancient Gold Coin Collecting: History, Value, and Rarity
A considered introduction to historical significance, rarity, condition and responsible collecting.
11 min readRead
Roman Empire
Coins of the Frontier Warrior: Valentinian I and the Final Gold Solidus
Imperial partnership, frontier pressure and the political message carried by a solidus of AD 373–375.
10 min readRead
Coin Histories
Constantine’s Solidus: An Imperial First
How a stable gold denomination became an enduring language of imperial authority.
9 min readRead
Byzantine Empire
Justinian II, Second Reign: Restoration in Gold
Christ the King, a mutilated ruler and the uncompromising imagery of the years AD 705–711.
10 min readRead