Description
House of Emirates® is thrilled to offer its elite clientele this majestic and historically profound Silver Byzantine Miliaresion of Emperor Constantine VI and Empress Irene, struck in Constantinople between 780–797 AD. This remarkable coin emerges from one of the most dramatic periods of Byzantine history, when imperial authority was shared between a young emperor and his formidable mother.
Weighing 1.63 grams and measuring 20.26 mm in diameter, this finely preserved piece stands as a powerful testament to the spiritual and political identity of the Byzantine Empire. Its Very Fine condition preserves both its sacred symbolism and its imperial inscriptions, making it an exceptional acquisition for collectors of rare ancient coins and historical artifacts.
The obverse features a striking cross potent set upon three steps, accompanied by the sacred inscription “IҺSЧS XPIS TЧS ҺICA,” a powerful declaration of faith in Jesus Christ as King. This iconic Christian imagery reflects the deeply intertwined nature of religion and rulership during the Byzantine era, where divine authority legitimized imperial power.
The reverse presents a beautifully arranged five-line legend reading “COҺS / TAҺTIҺO / SSIRIҺIЄ / CΘЄЧЬA / SILIS,” framed within a distinctive triple border. The precision of the engraving and the balance of the layout highlight the sophistication of Byzantine minting techniques in Constantinople, one of the most influential mints of the medieval world.
Referenced as SB 1595 and DOC 3, this Miliaresion is not merely a coin—it is a fragment of a turbulent yet transformative chapter in history. Coins of Constantine VI and Irene are particularly significant due to the rarity of joint rule depictions and the political intrigue surrounding their reign.
For collectors, investors, and historians alike, this piece offers both tangible beauty and deep narrative value. Whether showcased as part of a distinguished collection or held as a legacy asset, this Byzantine silver coin embodies heritage, faith, and imperial grandeur in its purest form.





