Commemorative Coin of the Byzantine Empire: A Window into Past

Here are ten notable Commemorative Coin and regional coins from the Byzantine Empire, each representing significant historical, religious, or political moments:

1. Solidus of Emperor Justinian I (527–565)

Commemorative Purpose: This gold coin was minted to celebrate the reign of Emperor Justinian I, one of the most influential Byzantine emperors, known for his legal reforms (Corpus Juris Civilis) and his reconquests in the West. The coin often featured Justinian’s portrait and a religious figure, symbolizing his connection with both secular and divine authority.

Commemorative Purpose: Celebrating Justinian’s reign, legal reforms, and military successes.

Legend: DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG (Dominus Noster Justinianus Pius Perpetuus Augustus).
Mint: Constantinople.
Year: 527–565.

2. Victory of Emperor Heraclius over the Persians (627)

Commemorative Purpose: After Emperor Heraclius’ military victory over the Sassanian Persians, coins were issued to commemorate the successful conclusion of the Byzantine–Sassanid War. These coins often depicted Heraclius in military garb, alongside symbols of the victory.

3. Coin of Constantine the Great (324–337)

Commemorative Purpose: Constantine issued coins after his victory over Licinius at the Battle of Chrysopolis in 324. These commemorative coins often displayed Constantine on horseback with the caption “Sol Invictus” (Unconquered Sun), symbolizing the emperor’s divine favor and triumph.

4. Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine (613–641)

Commemorative Purpose: This coin type celebrates the joint reign of Emperor Heraclius and his son Heraclius Constantine. The coin usually depicted both emperors, emphasizing the dynastic continuity. Such coins were minted during the wars against the Persians and later the rise of Islam.

5. Theophilus (829–842) Commemorative Coins

Commemorative Purpose: Emperor Theophilus, known for his iconoclastic policies, issued commemorative coins celebrating both his reign and his stance on religious matters. His coins often depicted Christian symbols, such as the cross, as well as his own image.

6. Solidus of Emperor Phocas (602–610)

Commemorative Purpose: Phocas, a short-reigned and unpopular emperor, issued coins celebrating his usurpation of the throne from Maurice. These coins are commemorative in that they mark a significant shift in leadership during a time of turmoil.

7. The Nicaean Coins of the 4th Crusade (1204–1261)

Regional Coinage: Following the sack of Constantinople in 1204 during the Fourth Crusade, the Nicaean Empire, a Byzantine successor state, minted its own coins. These coins are crucial as they represent regional autonomy and the continuity of Byzantine tradition despite the loss of Constantinople.

8. Coins of the Byzantium Theme (7th Century)

Regional Coinage: Regional mints across the empire’s themes (military districts) produced these coins. The coins often showed regional symbols, such as the depiction of a city gate or a local deity, reflecting the decentralized nature of the empire at times.

9. Byzantine Coin of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos (1081–1118)

Commemorative Purpose: This coin commemorates Alexios I Komnenos, who revitalized the Byzantine Empire after a period of decline. Coins from his reign often depict him with religious iconography, representing his efforts to strengthen the empire’s military and economy during the First Crusade.

10. The Regional Coins of the Exarchate of Ravenna (6th–8th Century)

Regional Coinage: Ravenna, the capital of the Byzantine Exarchate in Italy, issued coins that were distinct from those minted in Constantinople. These coins were often used for local purposes and depicted both the Byzantine emperor and local Italian symbols, showing the unique nature of Byzantine coinage in the western provinces.

Summary:

These coins represent a mixture of celebratory commemorations, such as military victories and dynastic achievements, and regional autonomy in the far-flung provinces of the Byzantine Empire. Each of these coins, whether commemorative or regional, sheds light on significant political, military, or religious events in Byzantine history.

Here’s an updated list of the top 10 commemorative and regional coins of the Byzantine Empire with their legends, mint locations, and years of minting: