Byzantine Coins Value: A Collector’s Guide to the Empire’s Treasures
The First Time I Held a Byzantine Coin
The first Byzantine coin I ever bought wasn’t gold or rare — it was a worn bronze follis of Justinian I. The emperor’s face was more suggestion than portrait, but the big block “M” on the reverse was clear as day. I remember thinking, this coin survived sieges, earthquakes, and centuries buried in the earth — and here it was in my hand.
That’s the magic of Byzantine coins. They’re not just leftovers from Rome; they’re the bridge between the ancient world and the medieval one. Every piece is part of a story that spans a thousand years — from the founding of Constantinople in the 4th century to its fall in 1453.
Main Types of Byzantine Coins and Their Values
Gold Coins – The Empire’s Signature Wealth
Gold was the pride of Byzantine coinage. The solidus, in particular, was so reliable in weight and purity that it became the standard currency of the Mediterranean for centuries.
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Solidus – A coin that feels perfect in the hand: thin but broad, with sharp portraits of Christ or the emperor. Even after 1,500 years, the gold still shines as if it left the mint yesterday.
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Histamenon – Introduced later, a little lighter and wider than the solidus, often with intricate religious designs.
💰 Typical Range: $400 – $8,000+, with exceptional rarities breaking $20,000.
Silver Coins – Rare and Underestimated
Byzantine silver issues were struck less often than gold or bronze, making them special finds for collectors.
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Miliaresion – Wide, thin coins with clean Greek inscriptions and crosses. Their simplicity is striking — a reminder of how different Byzantine aesthetics were from Roman portraiture.
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Hexagram – Early Byzantine silver, heavy in the hand, with bold cross motifs that tell you instantly where it came from.
💰 Typical Range: $100 – $1,500+, depending on ruler and rarity.
Bronze Coins – Everyday Survivors
Bronze coins are the most common entry point into Byzantine collecting, but even they have a certain rugged beauty.
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Follis – Large bronzes marked with a Greek numeral for value (“M” = 40 nummi). When they’re well-preserved, you can read every letter and feel the raised detail under your fingertips.
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Half Follis, Decanummium – Smaller change, often unevenly struck, which only adds to their charm.
💰 Typical Range: $20 – $300+, with mint-condition folles or rare types commanding more.
What Really Affects Byzantine Coin Value
In all my years of looking through dealer trays and auction catalogs, I’ve noticed the same factors make or break a Byzantine coin’s value:
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The Emperor – Coins from short-reigning emperors like Michael VII or Leontius can be worth far more than those of long-serving rulers.
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Condition – A clear Christ portrait or crisp legend makes a huge difference.
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Metal – Gold always has an intrinsic value floor, but even bronze can fetch high prices if it’s rare and in top condition.
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Historical Context – Coins linked to major events — like the reign of Basil II during the empire’s military peak — tend to attract more interest.
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Mint Marks – Some provincial mints are far rarer than Constantinople issues.
Identifying a Byzantine Coin
When I examine a Byzantine coin, I look for:
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Obverse – Christ or the emperor. The style changes a lot over the centuries, from realistic portraits to very stylized faces.
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Reverse – Religious symbols, crosses, saints, or imperial figures.
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Legends – Usually in Greek, often in blocky medieval script that takes time to read.
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Mint Marks – Found at the bottom or along the edge of the reverse.
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Feel – Byzantine coins often have an irregular shape and thickness — it’s part of their charm.
🔍 See our full guide: How to Identify Byzantine Coins
Recent Market Highlights
| Coin Type | Emperor | Year | Metal | Grade | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solidus | Justinian I | 538 AD | Gold | EF | $2,200 |
| Histamenon | Constantine IX | 1045 AD | Gold | VF | $1,100 |
| Miliaresion | Basil II & Constantine VIII | 1020 AD | Silver | VF | $680 |
| Follis | Heraclius | 610 AD | Bronze | VF | $180 |
Where to Buy and Sell
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Auctions – CNG, Heritage, Roma Numismatics.
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Online Dealers – VCoins, MA-Shops.
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Coin Shows – The best place to find bronze in person and check the details before buying.
Caring for Byzantine Coins
Bronze coins especially need careful handling — their patina is part of their value.
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Store in acid-free holders.
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Never scrub or clean — even gold can scratch easily.
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Keep records of when, where, and from whom you bought them. Provenance adds trust and value.
Final Thoughts
Byzantine coins are more than just relics — they’re witnesses to an empire that lasted over a thousand years. Whether you’re holding a gleaming solidus or a humble bronze follis, you’re touching a piece of history that outlasted kingdoms and empires.
And the best part? There’s still so much to discover. Every coin has its own journey, and part of the joy of collecting is becoming part of that journey.