Constantine IX Monomachus (AD 1042-1055). AV histamenon nomisma (26mm, 4.29 gm, 5h). NGC

Description

Byzantine Empire: Constantine IX Monomachus

Reign: AD 1042-1055
Denomination: AV Histamenon Nomisma
Mint: Constantinople
Weight: 4.29 g
Diameter: 26 mm
Orientation: 5h

Obverse:

• Design: Bust of Christ facing, with a nimbus cruciger adorned with crescents in the upper quadrants. Christ is depicted wearing a pallium and colobium, with his right hand raised in benediction and holding a book of Gospels in his left arm, surrounded by a triple border.
• Inscription: +IhS XIS RЄX RЄϚNANTIhm

Reverse:

• Design: Bust of Constantine IX facing, with a mustache and short beard, wearing a crown with pendilia and a loros of square pattern. He holds a cruciform scepter in his right hand and a globe surmounted by a pelleted cross in his left, with a triple border around.
• Inscription: +CwhST-ATh-bASILEЧS Rm

References:

• Sear 1830

Condition:

• Grading: NGC Choice XF 5/5 – 2/5
• Notes: Brushed, edge bend, scratches

Historical Context:

Constantine IX Monomachus, whose family name “Monomachus” means “lone warrior,” was a member of the Byzantine civil aristocracy rather than a military leader. His reign, although marked by some internal stability, saw a further decline in Byzantine military power, a trend that began after the death of the powerful Emperor Basil II.

During Constantine IX’s rule, the Seljuq Turks began to raid the eastern Byzantine territories, including areas near Lake Van. Although the empire managed to retain its territorial integrity during his reign, the ongoing military decay would have severe long-term consequences. Constantine IX was more focused on enjoying a comfortable life in Constantinople and managing court politics than on addressing the growing military threats to the empire.

His reign is remembered for the continued erosion of Byzantine military strength, setting the stage for future challenges faced by the empire. The coinage from his reign reflects the traditional Byzantine iconography, with Christ enthroned on the obverse and the emperor on the reverse, symbolizing the divine and secular authority of the time.

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