These Byzantine coins are also known as cup coins due to their concave shape, nobody knows for sure why the Byzantine Empire struck these coins curved instead of flat. Theories have included making them easier to stack or harder to counterfeit, but the leading answer is that it made the thin coins harder to bend. These date from around the 13th century and are made of a copper-silver alloy known as billon.
The Byzantine Empire was a continuation of the ancient Roman Empire. It technically formed in 395 AD when the empire split into East and West, though Romans at the time hardly made that distinction. While the Western Empire would fall in the late 400's AD, Byzantine rule lasted well into the Middle Ages until 1453.
Each coin features imagery of Jesus Christ and/or the Virgin Mary on the obverse, and one of about a dozen emperors is shown on the reverse.
They have some nice details, perfect to own a small piece of the Holy Roman empire in your hands!
Size: 25-30mm
Weight: 3.5-4.5g
This would be a perfect gift for a budding coin collector or to have as a talking piece or to research.
You will receive coins from the ones shown in the photos that you select.
Please look closely at the photos for the condition and get in touch if you have any questions, I am always happy to help.
If you like these then please check out my other listings, I have a large selection of great coins to choose from.
Authenticity Guarantee:
VPUKcoins offers a 100% lifetime guarantee of authenticity. Every single coin you purchase from our shop is guaranteed to be an authentic coin from the described era. If it is proved that a non-authentic coin has slipped through our checks you are guaranteed to receive a full refund. I do not currently supply certificates of authenticity with the coins.
