Michael II, Gold, Semissis, Syracuse, 821-829
Obverse
Frontal bust of Michael II, bearded, wearing chlamys and crown with cross on circlet. Globus cruciger in right hand.
I-X[]
Obverse
Frontal bust of Michael II, bearded, wearing chlamys and crown with cross on circlet. Globus cruciger in right hand.
I-X[]
Reverse
Frontal bust of Theophilos, beardless, wearing chlamys and crown with cross on circlet. Globus cruciger in right hand.
ΘE-[ ]
Accession number | BZC.2013.032 |
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Ruler | Michael II |
Date of Reign | 820–829 |
Associated Authority | Theophilos |
Metal | Gold |
Denomination | Semissis |
Mint | Syracuse |
Date | 821 – 829 |
Diameter | 8.0 mm |
Weight | 1.49 g |
Relation of Dies | 6:00 |
Shape | Flat |
Acquisition History
Numismatica Ars Classica 75, 18 November 2013, no. 712 (as "tremissis")
Commentary
This coin has an unusually thick flan and smaller diameter than DOC semisses (8 mm instead of 10 or 11 mm; see DOC 3.1:402, nos. 16.1 and 17). It is even smaller than the tremissses cited in DOC (3.1:403, nos. 18–20). Spahr catalogued a Theophilos tremissis that is 9 mm and 1.30 g. According to Spahr, “These ‘globular’ coins are from much cruder die that the preceding ones” (“Queste monete ‘globulari’ dono di conio molto piu rozzo dalle precedente”); see R. Spahr, Le monete siciliane dai Bizantini a Carlo I d’Angiò (582–1282), 87, no. 409.