CNG 93, Lot: 1397. Estimate $2000. Sold for $6500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Romanus III Argyrus. 1028-1034. AR Miliaresion (23mm, 2.50 g, 1h). Constantinople mint. Struck 1030(?). +ΠΑΡΘΕΝΕ CΟΙ ΠΟΛVΑΙΝΕ, Μ Θ across field, The Theotokos standing facing on footstool, holding nimbate infant Christ; triple border with eight spaced pellets / ΟC ΗΛΠΙΚΕ ΠΑΝΤΑ ΚΑΤΟΠΘΟΙ, Romanus standing facing on footstool, wearing crown and loros, holding long patriarchal cross and patriarchal cross on globus; triple border with eight spaced pellets. DOC 3b; SB 1822. Good VF, toned, minor pitting and marks, slightly wavy flan. Very rare, and perhaps the second finest in trade.

The complete legend reads "He who places his hope in thee, O Virgin, will prosper in all he does". The depiction of Mary was adopted from an icon known as the Virgin Hodegetria, in the Hodegon monastery in Constantinople. Supposedly painted by St. Luke, this icon was regarded as a powerful protector of the city and the emperor. Romanus sought the protection of Mary when he launched his assault against the Zengids in Aleppo in 1030 AD, a campaign that nonetheless ended in failure. His miliaresion struck in her honor, however, has left behind one of the most sensitive portraits of Virgin and Child in Byzantine art.