Michael VII Ducas (AD 1071-1078). AV/EL histamenon nomisma scyphate (29mm, 6h). NGC

Description

Byzantine Empire: Michael VII Ducas (AD 1071-1078) AV/EL Histamenon Nomisma Scyphate

Ruler: Michael VII Ducas
Date: AD 1071-1078
Weight: [unspecified]
Diameter: 29mm
Die Axis: 6h
Certification: NGC XF, graffiti, edge bends

Obverse:

• Design: Bust of Christ facing, wearing a nimbus cruciger with five pellets in each arm, pallium, and colobium. Christ raises his right hand in benediction, while the left cradles the Book of Gospels. The letters “IC-XC” (barred) are across the fields, all within a double border.

Reverse:

• Design: Bust of Michael VII Ducas facing, bearded, wearing a crown surmounted by a cross with pendilia, and dressed in a loros. He holds a labarum in his right hand and a globus cruciger in his left. The inscription “+MIX-AHΛ-RACIA O Δ” surrounds the figure, all within a double border.

References:

• Sear: 1868

Features and Highlights:

• Condition: NGC XF, marked by graffiti and edge bends, which are not uncommon for coins of this period and type.

Historical Context: Michael VII Ducas, also known as Michael VII Parapinakes, ruled as Byzantine Emperor during a period marked by significant military and economic challenges. His reign began after the catastrophic Battle of Manzikert in 1071, where the Byzantine army suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the Seljuk Turks, leading to the loss of most of Asia Minor.

The histamenon nomisma, a gold coin with a distinctive concave (scyphate) shape, was a key denomination in Byzantine coinage. The obverse of this coin reflects the Byzantine tradition of depicting Christ Pantocrator, a powerful religious symbol representing Christ as the ruler of the universe. The reverse features Emperor Michael VII, depicted with traditional imperial regalia, underscoring the divine right to rule and the continuation of Byzantine imperial authority, despite the empire’s weakening state during his reign.

Michael VII’s tenure was plagued by inflation and economic difficulties, earning him the unflattering nickname “Parapinakes” (meaning “minus a quarter”), referring to the reduction in the weight of the solidus coin. His reign ended in 1078 when he was deposed in a palace coup, leading to his forced retirement to a monastery. Despite the turbulence of his reign, the coinage of Michael VII remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the Byzantine Empire.