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Constantine IX Monomachus. 1042-1055. AV Histamenon Nomisma (22.5mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 1054-1055. + I(retrograde h)S XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺm, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / + CωnSτAnτ ҺOS bASILЄЧS Rm, crowned facing bust of Constantine, holding globus cruciger in right hand and sword in left; two stars flanking crown. DOC 4b; Füeg II 4.B.2; SB 1831. Underlying luster, clipped. EF.
The meaning of the stars that appear on these rare histamena flanking the imperial bust has been a matter of much scholarly speculation. Hendy (DOC III, p. 734) suggested that they represented the 1054 appearance of supernova SN 1054, a celestial event that was widely seen and recorded by Chinese, Japanese, and Arab astronomers, as well as the Mimbres and Anasazi in North America, and possibly in contemporary Irish chronicles. Since it was visible even in daylight from when it first appeared in the constellation of Taurus on 4 July 1054 until it disappeared in April 1056, Grierson (DOC III, p. 736) concluded that it could not have escaped the notice of anyone interested in astronomy and "may conceivably have found its way onto the coins [since] the dates, at all events, seem to agree."
The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.
Triton XXVI – Session Three – Lots 674-990 will be held Wednesday morning, 11 January 2023 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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