Byzantine Coins: The Legacy of the Eastern Roman Empire

There’s something deeply magnetic about Byzantine coins. They aren’t just relics from a long-gone empire — they’re like whispers from a world where religion and power walked hand in hand. I remember the first time I turned one over in my hand — that worn portrait, the faint outline of a cross — and suddenly I was holding a thousand years of history.

This guide isn’t just about types and timelines. It’s a collector’s perspective on why Byzantine coins still hold a powerful place in numismatics and how they shaped economies, politics, and beliefs across continents.

Where It All Started: The Rise of Byzantine Coinage

When the Roman Empire split, the East — later called the Byzantine Empire — kept many Roman systems alive, including its coinage. But it was Anastasius I (491–518 AD) who cleaned up the mess. Before him, small change was a chaotic mix.

Anastasius I’s Fix

He introduced the follis, a big bronze coin marked with bold Greek numerals, and improved the gold solidus. Suddenly, people could actually understand the value of their money — and trust it again.

The Coins That Defined an Empire

Over time, Byzantine coinage became known for consistency (especially the gold) and spiritual expression. The three core metals were:

Gold: Solidus (and later, Hyperpyron)

The solidus, introduced by Constantine the Great, held its weight and purity for centuries. It was so reliable that foreign empires copied it. Later, the hyperpyron replaced it when the solidus started to lose value.

Silver: Miliaresion

Used more for ceremonial gifts or diplomacy, these silver coins featured crosses and images of Christ. They’re less common than the gold and bronze types but full of charm.

Bronze: Follis

This was the coin of the people — soldiers, market traders, travelers. You’ll often see a big Greek “M” on them, standing for 40 nummi. These coins have a rugged simplicity that I personally love.

Faith in Metal: Religious Symbolism That Defined an Era

Roman coins had gods and emperors. Byzantine coins had Christ, the Virgin Mary, and imperial portraits that looked more like saints than politicians.

Christ Pantocrator

First shown on coins under Justinian II, this powerful image of Christ as ruler of the universe set the tone for centuries. It’s still one of the most iconic images in Byzantine art.

Crosses, Chi-Rho, and Holy Symbols

Gone were Jupiter and Mars — in came the cross, Chi-Rho, and halos. Coins became portable expressions of faith and imperial legitimacy.

Emperors With Halos

One thing that still gets me: Byzantine emperors didn’t just wear crowns — they wore halos. Coins often showed them holding crosses or globes, asserting not just political authority, but divine approval.

Milestones in Byzantine Coin History

Some emperors left a stronger coinage legacy than others:

• Justinian I (527–565 AD) – Standardized the solidus and helped it dominate trade across Europe and the Middle East.
• Heraclius (610–641 AD) – Introduced the idea of co-rulers (like himself and his sons) on coins.
• Basil II (976–1025 AD) – Minted stable gold during one of Byzantium’s strongest dynasties.
• Alexios I Komnenos (1081–1118 AD) – Replaced the solidus with the hyperpyron to stabilize the economy during turbulent times.

Coins as Propaganda

One of my favorite things about Byzantine coins? They reflect real-time politics. During the Iconoclast Controversy, religious images disappeared from coins. When icons were restored, so were the sacred images.

Coins also marked victories, alliances, or claims to power — you can practically read a dynasty’s storyline through the changing designs.

The Slow Fade: Decline of Byzantine Coinage

By the 11th century, cracks began to show. Wars, inflation, and poor leadership chipped away at the empire’s wealth. The once-proud solidus got lighter, and by the time of the Fourth Crusade (1204), foreign coins like the Venetian ducat were taking over.

Byzantine coinage limped along until 1453, when Constantinople fell. After that, the Ottomans took over, and the minting traditions of Byzantium came to a close.

Why Collect Byzantine Coins Today?

They’re honest. They’re beautifully strange. They carry both art and authority. And you don’t have to be a millionaire to own a piece of them.

Whether you’re drawn to Christ Pantocrator, the stylized busts of emperors, or the sheer age of these coins, collecting Byzantine issues is like building a museum of stories — one coin at a time.

Some of my favorite pieces weren’t the expensive ones, but the ones with worn details, where the faint outline of a halo or cross still shines through.

Final Thoughts

Byzantine coins aren’t just old money — they’re voices from a complex, faith-filled, powerful world. A solidus or follis in your hand is like a time machine back to Constantinople’s golden streets, candlelit basilicas, and emperors who saw themselves as servants of God and guardians of Rome’s legacy.

If you’ve never owned one, start simple. A humble bronze follis can open the door. And once you’re in, you may never look at ancient coins the same way again.

Happy collecting!