Byzantine bronze follis from XI century ( 1028-1042 )
On obverse : Bust of Christ Pantocrator facing front, holding the Book of Gospels and giving blessing. Christ Pantocrator (Ruler of All) became one of the most important religious representations in Byzantine art and coinage, symbolizing the divine authority protecting the empire.
On reverse : IS XS BASILE BASILE (Jesus Christ King of Kings) written in four lines within a border. During this period, Byzantine emperors progressively replaced their own portraits with sacred Christian imagery, emphasizing that imperial authority derived directly from Christ. These anonymous folles circulated widely throughout the Byzantine Empire and neighboring regions.
Byzantine bronze Follis of Constantine IX Monomachos from XI century ( 1042-1055 )
On obverse : Bust of Christ Pantocrator facing front, raising his right hand in blessing and holding the Book of Gospels. This image became one of the most iconic representations of Christ in medieval Byzantine art and coinage.
On reverse : Cross and inscription IS XS BASILE BASILE (Jesus Christ King of Kings). During the reign of Constantine IX Monomachos, Byzantine anonymous folles continued to replace imperial portraits with sacred Christian imagery, emphasizing the divine protection and legitimacy of the empire.
Byzantine bronze follis from XI century ( 1028-1070 )
On obverse : Sacred facing bust in Byzantine style, representing Christ in ceremonial robes. Byzantine coin portraits of this era were deeply influenced by religious iconography and intended to reinforce the spiritual legitimacy of imperial power.
On reverse : Multi-line Greek religious inscription invoking Christ as ruler and protector of the empire. These anonymous Byzantine folles replaced imperial portraits with sacred inscriptions and symbols, reflecting the increasingly religious character of Byzantine political life during the Middle Ages.
Roman silver coin of Julia Mamaea from III century AD( 222 - 235 )
On obverse : Draped portrait of Julia Mamaea facing right. Julia Mamaea was the mother of Emperor Alexander Severus and one of the most influential women of the Severan dynasty. She played a major political role during her son’s reign and was known for her strong influence over imperial administration and court life.
On reverse : Standing allegorical figure holding symbolic attributes representing peace, prosperity, or Roman virtue. Coins issued under Julia Mamaea reflected the importance of imperial women within the Severan dynasty during a period of political fragility and growing military unrest throughout the Roman Empire.
Greek bronze coin from Amisos, Pontos. I century BC ( 85-65 )
On obverse : Head of Perseus wearing a winged helmet. Perseus was one of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology, famous for slaying Medusa and rescuing Andromeda. His winged helmet was said to grant divine speed and protection
On reverse : Pegasus standing above a meander pattern with the inscription AMI┣OY (Amisos). Pegasus, the mythical winged horse born from the blood of Medusa, symbolized poetic inspiration, divine power, and heroic virtue. Amisos was an important Greek trading city located on the southern coast of the Black Sea and played a major commercial role in the Pontic Kingdom.
Roman silver coin of Alexander Severus from III century AD ( 222 - 235 )
On obverse : Imperial portrait of Alexander Severus facing right. Alexander Severus became Roman emperor at the age of thirteen and was the last ruler of the Severan dynasty. His reign was marked by attempts to restore stability and moderation within the Roman Empire during a period of growing military and political tensions.
On reverse : Standing allegorical figure holding attributes symbolizing peace, prosperity, or imperial virtue. Roman silver coins of the Severan period were widely circulated throughout the empire and reflected both the refinement and the fragility of Roman imperial power during the early III Century AD.
Roman bronze follis of Augustus Octavianus from I Century BC ( 27 BC - 14 AD ).
Augustus (born Gaius Octavius, 23 September 63 BC - 19 August AD 14), also known as Octavianus, was the founder of the Roman Empire, who reigned as the first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14.)
The reign of Augustus initiated an imperial cult and an era of imperial peace “Pax Romana” in which the Roman world was largely free of armed conflict. The Principate system of government was established during his reign and lasted until the Crisis of the Third Century.
Byzantine bronze coin of Constantine X Doukas from XI Century ( 1059 - 1067 ).
On obverse : Bust of Christ facing, nimbate, wearing a tunic and himation. He holds the Book of Gospels in his left hand while his right is raised in benediction. This iconographic type, Christ Pantokrator, was the central religious image of Middle Byzantine coinage, expressing the empire’s belief that imperial authority was granted and safeguarded by Christ himself.
On reverse : A standing cross set upon three steps, a symbol closely tied to the triumph of Christianity and the recovery of the True Cross. The surrounding inscription, though stylized and partly indistinct, belongs to the typical Byzantine legend formulae expressing divine aid or referencing the reigning emperor. The stepped base, known as the globus hexapterygon form, was widely used in the 10th - 12th centuries to evoke stability, victory, and the unshakable foundation of the Christian faith within the empire.
Islamic bronze coin of Suleiman II of Rum from XII Century ( 1196 - 1204 ).
On obverse: A mounted warrior riding to the right, shown in vigorous movement, holding a spear or standard. This equestrian motif is characteristic of the coinage circulating in Anatolia and the Caucasus during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The rider symbolizes authority, military prowess, and the defensive strength of the Seljuk rulers. The dotted border surrounding the scene further reflects the artistic conventions of the Rum Seljuk mints of the period.
On reverse: Arabic legend in bold, angular Kufic script naming Rukn ad-Din Suleiman Shah II, the Seljuk Sultan of Rum (reigned 1196-1204). His coinage marks a period of political consolidation and renewed military ambition in Anatolia following internal dynastic struggles. The inscriptions typically include his laqab (“Rukn ad-Din” meaning Pillar of the Faith) and emphasize his legitimacy within the broader Islamic world. The dotted border complements the obverse, giving the coin a unified decorative program typical of Rum Seljuk bronze issues.
Silver drachm of Alexander the Great, I century BC (326-323).
On observe the head of Heracles, wearing a lion skin headdress.
On reserve, Zeus Aëtophore on his throne, eagle in right hand, scepter in left. The caption says Ἀλέξανδρος (Alexander).
Byzantine copper follis from XI Century. Constantine X Doukas (r. 1059–1067 AD)
On obverse : Bust of Christ Pantokrator (Christ the Almighty) holding the Gospels, with a cross behind his head. The inscription: +EMMANOUHL or +IC XC (Jesus Christ)
On reverse : Vertical inscription in Greek letters, it reads: ΚΩN / CTANT / IΝΟς / ΔΟΥΚΑ (Kōnstantinos Doukas)
Roman silver coin from III century.
Marcus Antonius Gordianus / Gordian III / (238 - 244)
On obverse: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian III facing right. The caption reads: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG — Imperator Caesar Marcus Antonius Gordianus Augustus (Gordian III, Emperor of Rome).
On reverse: Mars (or Virtus) standing facing left, holding a spear and leaning on a shield. The caption reads: VIRTVS AVG — To the Courage of the Emperor.
