![BYZANTINE. Constantine VIII, Histamenon Nomisma, 1025-28 [ARB-49] - Image 2](https://colonialcoins.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ARB-49-1.jpg)
Description
Kōnstantīnos VIII (Constantine VIII), Byzantine Emperor of the Macedonian dynasty 1025-1028 AD, Gold Histamenon Nomisma (4.39g, 25mm), Constantinople mint 1025-1028 AD. Obverse: Half-length bust of Christ ‘pantokrátōr’ (the Almighty) facing, wearing crossed-nimbus crown with two crescents in upper quarters, chiton and himation, raising right hand in benediction and holding the book of Gospels in left, legend surrounds, “IҺS XIS RЄX RЄXNANTIҺm”. Reverse: Half-length bust of Constantine VIII facing, wearing Imperial crown and jewelled loros and holding akakia in his left hand and cross-topped labarum in his right, legend surrounds, “CⲰҺSꞆAҺꞆIҺ bASILЄЧS ROm”. Doc-1; Sear-1815. A nice type we don’t see as often, some interesting die breaks either side, nicely centred and evenly worn, Very Fine, reverse good Very Fine.
The obverse Latin legend reads unabridged as “Iēsūs Chrīstus, rēx rēgnantium”, with an English translation of “Jesus Christ, King of Ruling”. The reverse legend reads unabridged as “Cōnstantīnus, băsĭleús rōmānōrum”, with an English translation of “Constantine, Sovereign (Emperor) of the Romans”.
