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£500.00
★ Ex Paul-Francis Jacquier Auktion 35, 2007 – Lot 835 ★
House of Emirates® is thrilled to offer its elite clientele this majestic silver Byzantine Miliaresion of Emperor John I Tzimiskes, struck in Constantinople between AD 969 and 976. A remarkable example of Byzantine imperial coinage, this historic silver issue combines powerful Christian symbolism, imperial authority and exceptional numismatic character, making it a compelling acquisition for collectors of ancient and medieval treasures.
Measuring approximately 24 mm in diameter and weighing 2.79 grams, the coin was minted at Constantinople, the magnificent capital of the Byzantine Empire. The obverse presents a striking stepped cross standing upon a globe, with cross finials and a central medallion bearing the bust of Emperor John I. The surrounding inscription reads “+ IHSVS XRI-STVS nICA,” meaning “Jesus Christ conquers.” The emperor is identified by the letters I/W-A/N, elegantly placed around his portrait. This composition vividly expresses the Byzantine concept of imperial power existing under divine authority, with the emperor portrayed as the earthly guardian of a Christian empire.
The reverse carries the impressive imperial inscription “+ IWANN´ EN X·W AVTO/CRAT´ EVSEb´ bASILEVS / RWmAIW´,” translating as “John, in Christ, Autocrat, Pious Emperor of the Romans.” Five-pointed crosses between ornamental leaves appear above and below the inscription, creating a refined architectural balance across the field. The lettering, decorative elements and sacred imagery reflect the sophisticated artistic language of Constantinople during the tenth century, a period associated with military expansion, political transformation and renewed Byzantine cultural strength.
This Miliaresion is particularly distinguished by its documented provenance. It was previously part of the prestigious Paul-Francis Jacquier collection and was offered in Paul-Francis Jacquier Auction 35 in 2007 as Lot 835. Such an auction provenance provides an important layer of historical documentation and enhances the coin’s appeal to serious collectors seeking pieces with an established collecting history.
The obverse displays a lightly iridescent tone around the edge, adding subtle character to the silver surface, while the reverse was struck from a somewhat worn die. The overall condition is described as “very fine” (vz), preserving the essential imagery and inscriptions with attractive historic surfaces.
Nearly a millennium old, this Byzantine Miliaresion is more than a silver coin: it is a tangible fragment of Constantinople’s imperial history. It represents the reign of John I Tzimiskes, the religious symbolism of Byzantine sovereignty and the enduring craftsmanship of medieval Byzantine minting. For the discerning collector, it offers an extraordinary opportunity to own a documented silver treasure connecting the worlds of empire, faith, art and monetary history.
Its compact format makes the piece especially elegant, while its inscriptions provide a direct connection to Byzantine imperial ideology. Preserved across centuries, it remains a testament to an empire that profoundly shaped the political, religious and artistic history of Europe.
