Romanus III Argyrus (AD 1028-1034). AV histamenon nomisma (24mm, 4.27 gm, 6h). NGC Choice VF

Description

Byzantine Empire: Romanus III Argyrus

Reign: AD 1028-1034
Denomination: AV Histamenon Nomisma
Mint: Constantinople
Weight: 4.27 g
Diameter: 24 mm
Orientation: 6h

Obverse:

• Design: Christ enthroned facing, wearing a nimbus cruciger, pallium, and colobium. Christ is depicted with his right hand raised in benediction and holding a book of Gospels in his left hand, surrounded by a double border.
• Inscription: +IhS XIS RЄX-RЄSNANTInm

Reverse:

• Design: Standing figures of Romanus III Argyrus (left) and the Virgin Mary (right). Romanus is bearded, wearing a crown with pendilia, saccos, and loros, holding a globus cruciger in his left hand. The Virgin Mary, nimbate and wearing a pallium and maphorium, is crowning the emperor with her right hand. A decorative element is placed over MΘ in the central field between their heads, with a double border.
• Inscription: ΘCЄ bOHΘ’-RwmAhw

References:

• Sear 1819

Condition:

• Grading: NGC Choice VF 5/5 – 2/5
• Notes: Marks, brushed, wavy flan

Historical Context:

Romanus III Argyrus, notable for his association with the Argyroi aristocratic family, is remembered for his tumultuous reign and tragic end. As the second Byzantine emperor to be assassinated in a bath, Romanus’ murder was both dramatic and politically charged. According to the Chronicle of John Skylitzes, Romanus was drowned by his assassins, who were reportedly sent by his wife, Empress Zoe Porphyrogenita. This grisly event is famously illustrated in a 13th-century manuscript of Skylitzes’ Chronicle, now housed in the Biblioteca Nacional de España in Madrid.

Romanus III’s reign was marked by political intrigue and instability, which culminated in his death and the swift ascension of Michael IV, whom Zoe married the following day. The coinage from his reign reflects the typical Byzantine imperial iconography, with Christ enthroned and the emperor depicted alongside the Virgin Mary, underscoring the religious and political symbolism of the period.

Condition Notes: The coin is in Choice VF condition with some marks and a brushed surface, but remains a significant piece from a historically important reign.

For further information, please call 212-319-1077