Top 10 Byzantine Silver Coins

A Collector’s Look at the Most Iconic Silver Issues of the Eastern Roman Empire

When it comes to Byzantine coinage, gold gets all the glory — but the empire’s silver coins tell stories just as fascinating. These pieces weren’t just currency; they were statements of power, piety, and politics. Let’s take a look at ten of the most important and collectible silver coins minted by the Byzantine Empire — coins that span battles, coronations, and theological shifts.

1. Miliaresion of Constantine VII & Romanos I (945–959 AD)

This one’s a favorite among collectors for its clean design and historical depth. It was minted during the co-rule of Constantine VII and his father-in-law Romanos I. The front features a sharp cross-on-steps, while the reverse names both emperors — a clear nod to their uneasy alliance.
🪙 Why it matters: It’s a textbook example of mid-Byzantine silver, and relatively affordable compared to rarer gold issues.

• Mint Year: c. 945–959 CE

• Coin Type: Silver Miliaresion

• Obverse: Cross potent on three steps

• Reverse: +CONSTANTINUS ET ROMANUS AVGG around names

• Significance: A beautifully balanced coin showing co-rule of emperor and father-in-law. Classic use of Christian iconography and Greek inscriptions.

• Rarity: Moderate, widely collected for its clean design and historical partnership.

2. Hexagram of Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine (c. 610–641 AD)

Struck during the high-stakes war against Persia, this thick silver coin shows father and son side by side on the reverse. On the front? A bold Christian inscription: “God help the Romans.” These weren’t just coins — they were morale boosters.
🪙 Why it matters: Few coins shout “emergency issue” and “divine plea” this loudly — great history in silver.

• Mint Year: c. 610–641 CE

• Coin Type: Silver Hexagram (~6.8g)

• Obverse: DEUS ADIUTA ROMANIS (God help the Romans), cross potent

• Reverse: Heraclius and son, both crowned, holding a cross

• Significance: Issued during the war with Persia, it reflects a time of both crisis and faith.

• Rarity: Scarce in high grade; treasured for bold legends and religious appeal.

3. Miliaresion of Leo VI & Constantine VII (908–912 AD)

Leo VI issued this alongside his son to highlight dynastic succession. The coin sticks to a clean layout: a large cross on the front and both imperial names around the edge on the reverse.
🪙 Why it matters: Collectors love this one for its neat lettering and balanced layout — a nice example of imperial messaging.

• Mint Year: c. 908–912 CE

• Coin Type: Silver Miliaresion

• Obverse: Cross on base, IhSUS XRISTUS NIKA

• Reverse: LEO ET CONSTANTINUS AVGG

• Significance: Marks one of the few peaceful father-son successions. A transitional piece between Middle and Later Byzantine styles.

• Rarity: Relatively available, often well-preserved.

4. Hexagram of Constans II (641–668 AD)

Here, you’ll see Constans II facing front, holding a cross, and declaring himself “Servant of Christ.” The reverse continues that theme with a giant cross potent. It reflects the empire’s defensive Christian identity during early Arab invasions.
🪙 Why it matters: Powerful message, bold design, and issued during a moment of major transition — a must-have for serious silver collectors.

• Mint Year: c. 641–668 CE

• Coin Type: Silver Hexagram

• Obverse: Bust of Constans II facing, holding cross

• Reverse: Large cross with CONSTANTINUS SERVUS CHRISTI

• Significance: Strong Christological message during rising internal strife and Arab expansion.

• Rarity: Tough to find in XF or better, but highly desirable.

5. Miliaresion of Romanos III Argyros (1028–1034 AD)

This coin showcases Romanos in all his glory, standing tall in a heavily detailed bust. Like others of this type, the reverse is dominated by a large cross with the familiar “Christ conquers” (IhSUS XRISTUS NIKA) inscription.
🪙 Why it matters: End of the classical-style Byzantine silver era. Later coins lose this aesthetic sharpness.

• Mint Year: c. 1028–1034 CE

• Coin Type: Silver Miliaresion

• Obverse: Large cross; IhSUS XRISTUS NIKA

• Reverse: Bust of Romanos facing with inscriptions

• Significance: Fine example of late classical-style coinage before the economic decline of the mid-11th century.

• Rarity: Rare in high grade; often seen with weak strikes.

6. Miliaresion of John I Tzimiskes (969–976 AD)

After taking the throne in a palace coup, Tzimiskes needed to legitimize his rule fast. So what did he do? Mint a silver coin with a religious message and strong imperial title. It worked — and we’re left with this strong silver issue.
🪙 Why it matters: The story behind this coin adds as much value as the coin itself. It’s history you can hold.

• Mint Year: c. 969–976 CE

• Coin Type: Silver Miliaresion

• Obverse: Cross on steps with NIKA inscription

• Reverse: +IωAN ΠO IMPERATOR

• Significance: Issued after the assassination of Nikephoros II; strong propaganda value asserting divine legitimacy.

• Rarity: Moderately rare, popular among collectors of military emperors.

7. Hexagram of Justinian II – First Reign (685–695 AD)

Here’s a game-changer: the first coin in Byzantine history to feature a portrait of Christ. It was bold, controversial, and paved the way for religious imagery in imperial coinage.
🪙 Why it matters: Extremely rare and historically monumental — if you find a real one, hold on tight.

• Mint Year: c. 685–695 CE

• Coin Type: Silver Hexagram

• Obverse: Christ enthroned

• Reverse: Justinian II holding cross

• Significance: One of the first coins in Byzantine history to depict Christ directly — a groundbreaking and controversial choice.

• Rarity: Exceptionally rare and highly valuable.

8. Miliaresion of Constantine IX Monomachos (1042–1055 AD)

Constantine’s silver coins show the empire’s slow decline — but also its artistic grace. This coin keeps the cross-on-steps formula but starts showing signs of stylistic weakening.
🪙 Why it matters: Represents the last high-quality silver issues before the empire’s monetary collapse.

• Mint Year: c. 1042–1055 CE

• Coin Type: Silver Miliaresion

• Obverse: Cross with IhSUS XRISTUS NIKA

• Reverse: Bust of Constantine IX

• Significance: Final decades before the collapse of silver coin purity; still artistically refined.

• Rarity: Common in lower grades, rare in choice XF or better.

9. Hexagram of Constantine IV (668–685 AD)

Another post-coup issue, this coin mirrors his father’s but with slightly cruder execution. The reverse continues the “God help the Romans” plea — appropriate for an empire constantly under siege.
🪙 Why it matters: Not as refined as earlier hexagrams, but important for tracking the empire’s resilience.

• Mint Year: c. 668–685 CE

• Coin Type: Silver Hexagram

• Obverse: Bust of Constantine IV

• Reverse: Cross potent, DEUS ADIUTA ROMANIS

• Significance: Coinage of victory and continuity after Constans II’s assassination.

• Rarity: Rare; fewer survivors due to short reign.

10. Ceremonial Silver of Basil II & Constantine VIII (976–1025 AD)

This isn’t a coin you’ll find in pocket change — or even most museums. It’s believed to be a ceremonial silver medallion, likely struck for high church or diplomatic use. It shows Christ on one side and the emperors on the other.
🪙 Why it matters: Rare, unusual, and dripping with imperial propaganda.

• Mint Year: c. 976–1025 CE

• Coin Type: Rare ceremonial silver (possibly medallion-style)

• Obverse: Christ Pantocrator

• Reverse: Emperors holding labarum

• Significance: Possibly used for diplomatic or ecclesiastical presentation.

• Rarity: Extremely rare, likely one-of-a-kind or very limited run.

📊 Summary Table

Final Thoughts

While Byzantine gold coins often steal the spotlight, the silver coins offer raw, unfiltered history. From bold crosses and Christ portraits to military pleas and dynastic propaganda, they capture the true voice of the empire during its most intense moments.

If you’re a collector or a historian, silver gives you that extra layer of grit and realness — with just enough shine to make your cabinet sparkle.