This silver coin was issued during the joint reign of Byzantine Emperor Andronicus II and his son Michael IX. Minted in Constantinople (modern Istanbul), the basilikon represented an attempt to maintain a stable silver currency during a period of economic challenges for the declining Byzantine Empire.
Coin Description:
Front side: Christ enthroned
Back side: Emperors Andronicus II and Michael IX standing side by side, holding a long cross between them
Technical Details:
Silver composition, weighing 1.92 grams
Basilikon denomination (main Byzantine silver coin of the period)
Reference: Sear-2402
No certification mentioned
Date: 1295-1320 CE
Historical Significance:
This coin was issued during a period of decline for the Byzantine Empire, which by this time controlled only portions of Greece and western Turkey. The Christ imagery reflects the deeply religious nature of Byzantine society, while the two emperors sharing power demonstrates the imperial succession system. Andronicus II's long reign was marked by territorial losses, civil wars, and economic troubles, but he also patronized a cultural revival. The basilikon coin was part of his attempts to stabilize the empire's weakening economy in the face of these mounting challenges.
This silver coin was issued during the joint reign of Byzantine Emperor Andronicus II and his son Michael IX. Minted in Constantinople (modern Istanbul), the basilikon represented an attempt to maintain a stable silver currency during a period of economic challenges for the declining Byzantine Empire.
Coin Description:
Front side: Christ enthroned
Back side: Emperors Andronicus II and Michael IX standing side by side, holding a long cross between them
Technical Details:
Silver composition, weighing 1.92 grams
Basilikon denomination (main Byzantine silver coin of the period)
Reference: Sear-2402
No certification mentioned
Date: 1295-1320 CE
Historical Significance:
This coin was issued during a period of decline for the Byzantine Empire, which by this time controlled only portions of Greece and western Turkey. The Christ imagery reflects the deeply religious nature of Byzantine society, while the two emperors sharing power demonstrates the imperial succession system. Andronicus II's long reign was marked by territorial losses, civil wars, and economic troubles, but he also patronized a cultural revival. The basilikon coin was part of his attempts to stabilize the empire's weakening economy in the face of these mounting challenges.
