This hyperpyron was minted during the late Palaiologos dynasty, a period marked by constant political and economic pressure in the Byzantine Empire. Andronikos II and Michael IX ruled jointly, and the shared iconography on their coinage emphasized dynastic continuity and the legitimacy of their authority. At the time, the hyperpyron was the principal gold coin used in international trade throughout the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East.
The obverse depicts the Theotokos – protector of the Byzantine faith and empire – while the reverse scene of Christ crowning the emperors symbolizes the divine origin of their power. This is one of the most recognizable coin types of the late Byzantine period.
Obverse:
The obverse features the praying Virgin Mary (“Theotokos”) in the traditional orans pose, standing before fortified city walls adorned with towers. This iconographic motif symbolizes the divine protection of Constantinople and the empire. The figure is rendered in typical late Byzantine style, with high relief, expressive drapery, and slender, stylized proportions.
Reverse:
At the center of the reverse stands Christ in the pose of a blessing ruler. He holds a cruciform nimbus and crowns two kneeling emperors — Andronikos II Palaiologos and his co-emperor son, Michael IX. The submissive posture of the emperors conveys the divine source of their authority. This iconographic type emphasizes the legitimacy and continuity of the Palaiologos dynasty.
Technical Information:
Denomination: Hyperpyron (Byzantine gold coin)
Period: ~1294–1320
Rulers: Andronikos II Palaiologos & Michael IX Palaiologos
Mint: Constantinople
Weight: 4.22 g
Grade: Schrötlingsriss, VF-
Catalogues: Sear 2396, Friedberg 292
Provenance: Acquired in 1975 from “Kölner Münzkabinett”
Features: Flan crack (Schrötlingsriss), typical concave shape of the late Palaiologan period.
